Machine Comparison
Haas ST-20Y vs Okuma LB3000 EX II
haas vs okuma · CNC Lathes
Summary
The Haas ST-20Y and Okuma LB3000 EX II represent two very different approaches to Y-axis turning. The ST-20Y is Haas's value play, offering live tooling and Y-axis milling at the lowest price point in the market. The LB3000 EX II is Okuma's mid-range production workhorse, built for shops that need to push parts hard day after day. The spec gap between these two machines is significant. Okuma's spindle puts out 22kW versus 15kW on the Haas, which is nearly 50% more power. That shows up immediately when you're hogging material in 4140 or Inconel. Bar capacity tells a similar story: the Okuma swallows 80mm bar stock compared to the Haas's 51mm limit. That's 57% more capacity, and it means the LB3000 EX II can handle a dramatically wider range of bar-fed production parts without rechucking. The Okuma also carries a larger 400mm max swing and runs a 254mm chuck on an A2-8 nose, giving it more workholding authority. At 4,800kg, it's got over 1,200kg on the Haas, and that mass pays dividends in surface finish and tool life. The Haas counters with a price tag that's roughly half the Okuma's. At $80K-$110K versus $130K-$180K, you could nearly buy two ST-20Ys for the price of one LB3000 EX II. The Haas also offers a slightly longer turning length at 533mm versus 500mm, and its NGC control has a shallower learning curve than Okuma's OSP-P300L. For shops where simplicity and capital preservation matter more than raw capability, the Haas still makes a compelling case.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Haas ST-20Y | Okuma LB3000 EX II |
|---|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 356mm (14 in) | 400mm (15.7 in) ▲ |
| Max Turning Length | 533mm (21 in) ▲ | 500mm (19.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,000 RPM | 4,200 RPM ▲ |
| Spindle Power | 15kW (20 hp) | 22kW (30 hp) ▲ |
| Chuck Size | 210mm (8 in) | 254mm (10 in) ▲ |
| Bar Capacity | 51mm (2 in) | 80mm (3.15 in) ▲ |
| Tool Capacity | 12-station BOT | 12-station turret |
| Rapid Traverse | 30.5 m/min | 30 m/min |
| Machine Weight | 3,583 kg | 4,800 kg ▲ |
| Control | Haas NGC | Okuma OSP-P300L |
| Price Range | $80K-$110K ▲ | $130K-$180K |
Advantages
Haas ST-20Y
- Purchase price is roughly half the Okuma's, freeing capital for tooling and automation
- NGC control has a gentler learning curve, ideal for shops with less experienced operators
- Longer maximum turning length (533mm vs 500mm) for shaft-type work
- Extensive North American dealer network with fast parts availability
- Lower maintenance and service costs keep long-term operating expenses down
- Strong community support and abundant training resources online
Okuma LB3000 EX II
- Nearly 50% more spindle power (22kW vs 15kW) handles tougher materials and heavier cuts
- 80mm bar capacity versus 51mm dramatically expands the range of bar-fed production parts
- Larger 400mm max swing accommodates bigger chucking work without compromise
- 4,800kg machine weight provides exceptional rigidity and vibration damping
- Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept maintains accuracy through extended production runs
- OSP-P300L control offers advanced process monitoring and collision avoidance built in
Verdict
These machines aren't really competitors in the traditional sense. They serve different shops at different stages. The Haas ST-20Y is the right call for job shops and growing operations that need Y-axis capability without a six-figure capital outlay. It'll handle aluminum, mild steel, and moderate production runs without complaint, and the money you save can go toward a bar feeder or live tooling options. The Okuma LB3000 EX II is for shops that already know they need serious production capability. If you're cutting stainless, titanium, or high-temp alloys on a regular basis, the Okuma's 30hp spindle and 80mm bar capacity aren't luxuries, they're requirements. The Thermo-Friendly system keeps tolerances tight across full shifts without operator intervention. You're paying nearly double, but you're getting a machine that won't be the bottleneck when work picks up.