Okuma LB3000 EX II

$130,000 - $200,000 Updated 2026-03-10

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

5,000 RPM (standard bore); 4,200 RPM (big bore)

Spindle Taper

A2-8

Tool Capacity

12-station turret

Weight

4,800 kg (10,582 lb)

Rapid Traverse

25 m/min X, 30 m/min Z

Spindle Power

22 kW (30 hp)

Overview

The Okuma LB3000 EX II is a mid-size horizontal turning center with over 10,000 units installed worldwide. That install base isn't an accident. Okuma's refined this platform across multiple generations, and the EX II brought upgraded thermal compensation, stiffer spindle bearings, and better control software over the original EX.

Max turning diameter hits 400 mm (15.7 in) with a standard bed turning length of 500 mm (19.7 in). Longer beds stretch to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) and 1,300 mm (51.2 in) for shaft work. The main spindle delivers 22 kW (30 hp) at up to 5,000 RPM through an A2-8 nose on the standard bore model. Big bore variants top out at 4,200 RPM. Either way, that's more power than both the Mazak QT-250M (18.5 kW, 4,000 RPM) and the DMG Mori NLX 2500 (18.5 kW, 3,500 RPM).

Bar capacity is 76 mm (3 in) on the standard spindle, with a big bore option pushing that higher. The heavy-duty box way construction gives this machine rigidity that shops notice immediately when stepping up from linear guide competitors. One reviewer at Kremin Inc. gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling the build quality a clear step above Haas and Doosan lathes they'd run side by side.

Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept monitors temperature across the headstock, bed, and turret, compensating for thermal growth in real-time. Okuma's published data shows machining dimensional change stays under 5 microns over a full shift. For production shops without climate control, that's a genuine edge.

The OSP-P300L control is proprietary but capable. It handles standard G-code alongside Okuma's One Touch IGF conversational system for simpler parts. CAM posts from Mastercam, GibbsCAM, and Esprit are readily available. The MYW configuration adds Y-axis (plus or minus 55 mm travel), sub-spindle, and BMT live tooling at 6,000 RPM for done-in-one mill-turn work.

Pricing runs $130,000-$180,000 for a base turning configuration. MYW setups with live tooling, sub-spindle, bar feeder, and toolsetter push into the $170,000-$200,000 range. Used machines from 2018-2022 sell for $80,000-$120,000. At this price point, it sits squarely between the Haas ST-20Y and the DMG Mori NLX 2500. Specs sourced from Okuma published data and distributor listings.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Workpiece Diameter	mm
Max Turning Length	mm
Max Spindle Speed	5,000 RPM (standard bore); 4,200 RPM (big bore)
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Taper	A2-8
Chuck Size	254 mm (10 in)
Bar Capacity	76 mm (3 in)
Tool Capacity	12-station turret
Y Axis Travel	±55 mm (2.17 in) (MY/MYW models)
Live Tooling Speed	6,000 RPM (BMT turret)
Rapid Traverse Rate	25 m/min X, 30 m/min Z
Positioning Accuracy	±0.004 mm
Repeatability	±0.002 mm
Machine Weight	4,800 kg (10,582 lb)
CNC Control	Okuma OSP-P300L
Speed Range	45~5,000
Rapid Traverse X Z	25/30
Standard Power	22/15
Okuma Global Repair Center	Charlotte, North Carolina
Inches	Metric
Max Machining Diameter	410
Max Machining Length	500 [1,000; 1,300]
Spindle Nose Type	JIS A2-6

Specifications sourced from okuma.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

22 kW (30 hp) spindle outpowers the Mazak QT-250M and DMG Mori NLX 2500 at a similar price point
Box way construction provides rigidity for heavy cuts that linear guide lathes in this class can't match
Thermo-Friendly Concept holds dimensional variation under 5 microns across full-shift runs without shop climate control
5,000 RPM standard bore spindle tops both the Mazak (4,000 RPM) and DMG Mori (3,500 RPM) for high-speed finishing
Multiple bed lengths (500, 1,000, 1,300 mm) cover everything from short chucking work to long shaft turning
MYW configuration with Y-axis, sub-spindle, and BMT live tooling at 6,000 RPM enables done-in-one mill-turn parts
10,000+ installed units globally means proven reliability and a deep parts/service ecosystem

Limitations

OSP control is proprietary; operators trained on Fanuc or MAZATROL need retraining time
Starting at $130K for a base turning config, it costs $50K more than a Haas ST-20Y with comparable turning specs
Live tooling tops out at 6,000 RPM versus 10,000 RPM on the DMG Mori NLX 2500, limiting high-speed milling operations
One Touch IGF conversational programming isn't as polished as Mazak's MAZATROL for quick job shop setups
Okuma's North American distributor network is thinner than Haas or Mazak, especially outside major metro areas

Best For

Production turning shops running bar stock up to 76 mm (3 in) across multiple shifts Shops holding 0.01 mm or tighter tolerances over 8+ hour runs where thermal stability is critical Facilities standardized on Okuma controls across their turning and milling platforms Automotive and hydraulic component manufacturers needing consistent part quality in high volumes Shops wanting mill-turn capability (MYW config) without jumping to a full multitasking machine Any shop upgrading from older Okuma LB series lathes (LB3000 EX, LB35, LB300)

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does an Okuma LB3000 EX II cost?

Base turning configurations run $130,000-$180,000. Full MYW setups with Y-axis, sub-spindle, live tooling, bar feeder, and toolsetter push $170,000-$200,000. Used LB3000 EX II machines from 2018-2022 sell for $80,000-$120,000 depending on hours and configuration. Older EX models go for $45,000-$80,000.

02 How does the LB3000 EX II compare to the DMG Mori NLX 2500?

The Okuma has more spindle power (22 kW vs 18.5 kW), higher max speed (5,000 vs 3,500 RPM), and Thermo-Friendly thermal compensation. The NLX 2500 counters with 10,000 RPM live tooling versus 6,000 RPM on the Okuma and a Fanuc-based CELOS control that's familiar to more operators. DMG Mori typically prices 15-20% higher for comparable configs.

03 Does the Thermo-Friendly Concept really help?

On single parts or short runs, you won't notice it. Over 4-8 hour production runs in shops without climate control, Okuma's data shows dimensional variation stays inside 5 microns versus 15-25 microns of drift on uncompensated machines. If you're holding 0.01 mm tolerances in production, it's a meaningful advantage.

04 How reliable is the LB3000 EX II?

Shops running these machines 15-20 hours daily report minimal maintenance issues. The Kremin Inc. review specifically noted zero maintenance problems on their unit. The box way design is inherently more durable than linear guides for heavy-duty turning, and Okuma building spindles, drives, and controls in-house means fewer finger-pointing scenarios when something does go wrong.

05 Standard bore or big bore?

Practical Machinist threads consistently recommend big bore with the longer bed. As one experienced owner put it, 'no matter how long your center-to-center is, you'll always need a longer one.' The big bore drops max spindle speed from 5,000 to 4,200 RPM but opens up larger bar stock. Most production shops find the tradeoff worthwhile.

06 What are the must-have options?

Forum consensus says high pressure coolant, chip conveyor (about $10K), and a tool setter are non-negotiable. If you're running bar stock, spec the bar feeder prep from the factory. Adding it after delivery costs significantly more. Parts catcher and scrap conveyor round out the list for lights-out capability.