The sectional machines the only one that has it right is
Ridgid or
Rothenberger. I do like that Rothenberger large machine the R750 can turn the 1¼ cable and the ⅞ cable with out any changes to the machine. Then you can insert a clamp clip to spin the ⅝ cable and they do make clamp clip for smaller cables as well, so one machine to rod drains from ¾" to 8" lines is impressive to me.
Now drum machines the only way to go is with a Spartan tool machine they by far are the best compared to General Ridged, Electric Ell, DuraCable, Marco, and all the other drum types out there. I carry a K-50 with 75' of ⅝ and two drums one with ¼" cable and the other with ⅜" cable on my truck along with a Spartan 100 and a 1065. Also have a pistol rod a Ro-Pump, a small electric Viking Jetter, and a kinetic water ram, along with my assortment of toilet augers. Oh almost forgot my two canvas sludge bags a 4" and a 6", oh and a 125' hand rod with three ball sizes.
Now I have other machines like the Electric Ell Model C its great for crawl spaces. A Ridged K-1000 for rodding 8" to 24" sewers from manhole to manhole. A few Ridged main line machines K-500, K-1500 K-1500 lowboy. Which all I have used I find each machine has its place.
Now for picking a drum machine over a sectional machine. I can not really do that. There are times where I am in the mood to use a sectional machine for a month or two, then I switch back to my Spartans. I found that the sectionals do great with soft blockages and grease. Where a drum machine works wonders with heavy tree roots. Yes a sectional machine can clear tree roots if you take the time to work the cable a whole lot more. Where as a drum machine you can get a "bite" into the roots and build up torque to tear them up.