Like Mark wrote, I purchased a YCL 1440GH new back in 2001. It was 5K and came with what many now consider optional equipment. I also purchased a taper attachment at the time for another $500. The machine has done everything I have required from it with tolerances to my liking from the start. It was supplied with a tolerance sheet that proved to be accurate. I use quality measuring tools that verify every operation I preform with this machine. It changes gears, engages /dis-engages feeds and still runs like it did when new. The bed has remained true with no evidence of wear as is the lead screw and feed rod. It has developed a slight drip on the feed rod coming from the lower gearbox but only when running/turning (o-ring). The spindle (1.5") runs true and I run quality chucks. The only issue is the tailstock clamp that requires adjustment when doing heavy (over 1") drilling but that is a common issue with this style of side clamp found on many machines including some PM machines. You can find this issue on several manufactures on this site. I will say its hard to beat the weight comparison of this style vs the 1236GT and weight matters once setup correctly. I have never had any vibartion or finish issues but I will add I use a CXA setup with quality tooling. The overall robust design has served me well for the past seventeen years and the same model is still made/offered with different badging.
The machine weigh in at 2000 lbs. and the motor mount design is the same found on industrial machines. My machine has been upgraded with Mark's system, new motor and lighting that makes it a joy to run, but the machine was solid prior to this modification.
Like many things coming from China, one never knows but my lathe was apparently made on a "Wednesday" as I never found casting sand in the gear train, problems engaging/dis-enguaging, crappy runout, vibration/finishing issues and so forth and so on.
As far as replacement parts and support, I have not needed support, but have read nightmare stories on many Chinese machines. PM machines have a phenomenal customer service reputation as I have personally read Matt's reply to issues/concerns so thats really more important than any story I can share with your purchasing questions. The machine will prove to be your inexpensive purchase compared to quality tooling required for any lathe/mill regardless of its origins.
One thing that bothers me on many entry level import lathes are the cross feed, compound, carriage and tail stock dials. Even a quality $8K Taiwanese machine has cheesy dials and pointers. I'm saving my pennies for a larger/heavier machine with a bigger spindle bore hopefully made on a Wednesday.... Oh, and nice quality dials
I hope this helps Fallon. (not all Chinese machines are junk).