Hardinge GS-250
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
chuck size
Overview
The Hardinge GS-250 is a high-performance CNC turning center from Hardinge's GS series, designed to bridge the gap between compact precision lathes and large-bore production turning centers. With a maximum turning diameter of 360 mm (14.17 in) and a bar capacity of 65 mm (2.56 in), the GS-250 addresses shops that have outgrown 42mm and 51mm bar machines but still demand the precision Hardinge is known for. The 250 designation refers to the chuck size, with a standard 250 mm (10 in) hydraulic chuck.
The main spindle delivers 18.5 kW (25 HP) continuous power at speeds up to 4,500 RPM through an A2-6 spindle nose. The spindle is built on Hardinge's precision angular-contact bearing arrangement with thermal compensation, maintaining concentricity well within the sub-5-micron range that Hardinge specifies across the GS line. X-axis travel is 210 mm (8.27 in) and Z-axis travel is 550 mm (21.65 in), providing a generous turning envelope for mid-size production parts.
The GS-250 features hardened and ground box ways on both axes, continuing Hardinge's commitment to vibration damping and surface finish quality over the higher rapid traverse rates offered by linear guideway machines. The 12-station VDI turret accepts live tooling as an option, and C-axis capability enables contoured milling operations. The machine's 4,500 kg (9,920 lb) casting provides excellent thermal mass for dimensional stability during extended production runs.
Controlled by the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus, the GS-250 includes through-spindle coolant, hydraulic tailstock, chip conveyor, and Hardinge's collet-ready spindle design as standard. New GS-250 machines typically price between $110,000 and $165,000 depending on tooling options and accessories. The GS-250 competes with the Okuma LB3000 EX II, Haas ST-25, and DMG Mori CLX 450 in the mid-range production turning segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 250 mm (10 in) hydraulic |
| Max Turning Diameter | 360 mm (14.17 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 550 mm (21.65 in) |
| Bar Capacity | 65 mm (2.56 in) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-6 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,500 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 18.5 kW (25 HP) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 280 Nm (206 ft-lb) |
| X-Axis Travel | 210 mm (8.27 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 550 mm (21.65 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 IPM) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 IPM) |
| Turret | 12-station VDI |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Tailstock | Hydraulic, programmable |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 4,500 kg (9,920 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 65mm bar capacity and 250mm chuck provide a versatile mid-range turning envelope suitable for both bar work and chuck work across a wide range of part sizes
- 18.5 kW spindle power delivers strong roughing capability on larger diameters while maintaining the precision finishing Hardinge is known for
- Hardened and ground box ways on both axes provide superior vibration damping and surface finish quality compared to linear guideway competitors in this size class
- Hardinge's collet-ready spindle design enables rapid switching between chuck and collet workholding for maximum flexibility in mixed-part production environments
- 4,500 kg machine weight provides excellent thermal mass and vibration damping for dimensional stability during extended production runs
- Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control with broad CAM compatibility and proven reliability reduces integration risk and training costs
Limitations
- 4,500 RPM maximum spindle speed is lower than some competitors offering 5,000-6,000 RPM, limiting high-speed finishing strategies on smaller diameters
- Box way design results in slower rapid traverse compared to linear guideway machines, adding non-cutting time in high-volume production cycles
- Hardinge's service network has contracted in recent years, and parts lead times may be longer than for larger OEMs in some regions
- Premium pricing compared to Asian-manufactured competitors with similar specifications may be difficult to justify for general-purpose turning applications
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Hardinge GS-250 turning centers typically price between $110,000 and $165,000 depending on configuration. Base machines include the hydraulic chuck, tailstock, and Fanuc control. Options that increase price include live tooling, C-axis, bar feeder interface, high-pressure coolant, and probing systems. A fully loaded GS-250 with live tooling and bar feeder can approach $200,000.
02
The Haas ST-25 offers similar turning capacity at a lower price point but uses linear guideways and does not match Hardinge's spindle precision specifications. The GS-250's box ways provide better surface finish and vibration damping for precision work, while the Haas offers faster rapids and lower acquisition cost for general-purpose turning. Choose the GS-250 for precision-critical work; the ST-25 for production throughput at lower cost.
03
Yes, the GS-250 features Hardinge's collet-ready spindle design that accepts 16C collets for bar stock up to 65mm diameter. Collet workholding provides superior concentricity compared to standard 3-jaw chucks, typically achieving 2.5 microns TIR or better. Switching between collet and chuck configurations is straightforward and does not require spindle modifications.
04
The GS-250 uses hardened and ground box ways on both X and Z axes. Box ways provide greater surface contact area and superior vibration damping compared to linear guideways, resulting in better surface finish and dimensional consistency during cutting. The trade-off is slower rapid traverse speeds, but for precision turning applications most experienced machinists prefer box ways.
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