Buy the used one, and use the savings for getting tooling or accessories. Regardless if you buy these machines new or used, they still need cleaning and adjusting, so nothing gained there.
My RF-30 has no obvious means of braking the spindle while tightening or loosening the drawbar. What am I missing?
You make a valid point.
What's the best way to hoist one of these things?
Not sure if it's the best way but I used lifting straps that I bought at Harbor Freight and a regular engine hoist when I bought mine. You'll want to separate the machine from the base in this process. Much too top heavy to transport on the stand.
I've been thinking the same thing after weighing all my available options. Maybe plank up on top of the legs with some 2x6 and rest it on that to drag it around.
Maybe remove the table and try and get some straps under the bottom for the bulk of the support.