Machine Comparison
Hardinge Conquest H51 vs Hardinge Talent 42
Hardinge vs Hardinge · CNC Lathes
Summary
The Hardinge Conquest H51 and Hardinge Talent 42 are both from Hardinge's cnc lathes lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Hardinge ecosystem. The Hardinge Talent 42 leads in x travel (180 mm (7.08 in) vs 171 mm (6.75 in)). The Hardinge Conquest H51 leads in chuck size (8 in vs 6 in (16C collet-ready)). On paper, the Hardinge Conquest H51 edges ahead with advantages in 6 of the compared specifications, though real-world performance depends heavily on your specific applications and workholding. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a cnc lathe.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Hardinge Conquest H51 | Hardinge Talent 42 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 171 mm (6.75 in) | 180 mm (7.08 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 581 mm (22.87 in) | 652 mm (25.67 in) standard bed ▲ |
| Chuck Size | 8 in ▲ | 6 in (16C collet-ready) |
| Bar Capacity | 51 mm (2.0 in) ▲ | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Max Turning Diameter | 312 mm (12.3 in) ▲ | 290 mm (11.41 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 648 mm (25.5 in) ▲ | 600 mm (23.62 in) |
| Control | Fanuc 0iD, Siemens 840D, or Mitsubishi M720V | Fanuc 0i-TF+ |
| Main Spindle Speed | 5,000 RPM | 5,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Power | 15 kW (20 hp) ▲ | 7.5 kW (10 hp) |
| Main Spindle Nose | A2-6 | A2-5 |
| Machine Weight | 6,804 kg (15,000 lb) ▲ | 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) |
| Price Range | $100,000 - $175,000 | $85,000 - $160,000 ▲ |
Advantages
Hardinge Conquest H51
- Superior chuck size at 8 in vs 6 in (16C collet-ready)
- Superior bar capacity at 51 mm (2.0 in) vs 42 mm (1.65 in)
- Superior max turning diameter at 312 mm (12.3 in) vs 290 mm (11.41 in)
- Superior max turning length at 648 mm (25.5 in) vs 600 mm (23.62 in)
- Superior main spindle power at 15 kW (20 hp) vs 7.5 kW (10 hp)
Hardinge Talent 42
- Greater x travel of 180 mm (7.08 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 652 mm (25.67 in) standard bed accommodates larger workpieces
- More competitive pricing at $85,000 - $160,000 compared to $100,000 - $175,000
Verdict
The Hardinge Conquest H51 holds a spec advantage in this comparison, but the right choice depends on your shop's priorities. If the Hardinge Conquest H51's strengths in areas like Chuck Size and Bar Capacity align with your work, it's the clear pick. The Hardinge Talent 42 may still win on dealer proximity, existing tooling compatibility, or specific features that matter most to your applications. Request quotes from both dealers and, if possible, run your actual parts on each machine before deciding.