Hardinge Conquest T51
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
chuck size
Overview
The Hardinge Conquest T51 is a precision CNC turning center from Hardinge's Conquest T series, offering the popular 51mm (2 in) bar capacity in a platform that has been refined over more than two decades of production. The T51 is the workhorse of the Conquest T lineup, occupying the sweet spot between the compact T42 and the larger-capacity turning centers, and covering the broadest range of precision production turning applications.
The main spindle delivers 15 kW (20 HP) continuous power through an A2-6 spindle nose at speeds up to 5,000 RPM, with 175 Nm (129 ft-lb) of torque. The Conquest spindle features Hardinge's proprietary bearing preload system that maintains stiffness and concentricity across the full speed range, specifying 3 microns TIR or better at the collet face. The collet-ready spindle accepts 16C collets for bar stock up to 51mm, and an 8-inch (200 mm) hydraulic chuck handles larger-diameter work.
X-axis travel is 200 mm (7.87 in) and Z-axis travel is 508 mm (20 in) on hardened and ground box ways. The 12-station VDI turret supports live tooling with C-axis capability, and a hydraulic programmable tailstock is available for supported turning of longer workpieces. The box way construction provides the vibration damping and surface finish quality that have made the Conquest T series a benchmark in precision turning.
The Conquest T51 runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control and weighs 3,800 kg (8,378 lb). New machines typically price between $95,000 and $150,000. The T51 has an excellent used market presence, with units spanning multiple production generations available. The machine competes with the Okuma LB3000 EX II, Haas ST-20, and Mazak Quick Turn 200 in the 2-inch bar precision turning segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 8 inch (200 mm) hydraulic |
| Max Turning Diameter | 356 mm (14 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 508 mm (20 in) |
| Bar Capacity | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-6 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20 HP) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 175 Nm (129 ft-lb) |
| X-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 508 mm (20 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 IPM) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 IPM) |
| Turret | 12-station VDI (live tooling capable) |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Collet System | 16C collet-ready |
| Collet Tir | 3 microns (0.00012 in) or better |
| Tailstock | Hydraulic, programmable (optional) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 3,800 kg (8,378 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 51mm bar capacity covers the broadest range of precision production turning work, making the T51 the most versatile model in the Conquest T lineup
- Proven platform with 20+ years of production history provides known reliability, well-documented maintenance procedures, and readily available replacement parts
- Collet-ready spindle with 3 micron TIR provides precision workholding that exceeds standard chuck-based CNC lathes across the full 51mm bar range
- 15 kW spindle with 175 Nm torque balances roughing capability with precision finishing quality
- Hardened and ground box ways deliver superior surface finish and vibration damping for precision turning applications
- Strong used market presence with multiple generations available provides accessible entry points for shops at various budget levels
Limitations
- 5,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is moderate compared to competitors offering 6,000+ RPM
- Box way design results in slower rapid traverse compared to linear guideway machines, adding non-cutting time in high-volume production
- The Conquest T series is an older platform; the GS-51 offers more current technology for new purchases
- Base configuration does not include sub-spindle; back-face operations require the T51 SP variant at additional cost
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Hardinge Conquest T51 machines price between $95,000 and $150,000 depending on configuration. The used market offers excellent value, with 2010-2020 units typically trading between $40,000 and $80,000 depending on condition, hours, and options. The T51's long production history means a wide range of ages and configurations are available.
02
The GS-51 is the newer-generation replacement for the Conquest T51 platform, featuring updated spindle technology, improved thermal management, and the latest Fanuc controls. Both share the 51mm bar capacity and Hardinge precision heritage. The GS-51 is recommended for new purchases; the Conquest T51 offers excellent used market value for budget-conscious shops.
03
The standard Conquest T51 does not include a sub-spindle. Hardinge offers the T51 SP (Sub-spindle Precision) variant for shops requiring part pick-off and back-face operations. The SP variant adds a secondary spindle for complete done-in-one processing from bar stock, adding approximately $30,000-$45,000 to the base price.
04
Regular maintenance includes way lubrication (box ways require more attention than linear guideways), hydraulic system maintenance, coolant management, spindle bearing preload checks, and turret indexing inspection. The Conquest T series is well-documented with maintenance manuals and a large user community. Most shops report excellent reliability with proper preventive maintenance schedules.
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