Hardinge GS-250L
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
chuck size
Overview
The Hardinge GS-250L is the long-bed variant of Hardinge's GS-250 turning center, extending the Z-axis travel to 800 mm (31.50 in) for machining longer shafts, bars, and tubular components that exceed the standard GS-250's turning length. The L suffix denotes the extended bed, and the machine retains all of the precision characteristics, spindle technology, and box way construction that define the GS series.
The main spindle delivers 18.5 kW (25 HP) continuous power at speeds up to 4,500 RPM through an A2-6 spindle nose with a 250 mm (10 in) hydraulic chuck. Bar capacity is 65 mm (2.56 in) through the spindle bore. The extended Z-axis travel of 800 mm enables complete machining of parts up to 31.5 inches in length without rechucking, which is critical for shaft-type parts where concentricity between features must be maintained in a single setup.
Like the standard GS-250, the GS-250L features hardened and ground box ways on both axes for superior vibration damping and surface finish quality. X-axis travel remains 210 mm (8.27 in). The 12-station VDI turret accepts live tooling, and C-axis capability enables milling operations along the full extended Z travel. The hydraulic programmable tailstock is essential on the long-bed variant for supporting extended workpieces during turning operations.
The GS-250L runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control and weighs approximately 5,200 kg (11,464 lb), reflecting the additional bed casting material. New GS-250L machines typically price between $125,000 and $180,000. The machine competes with the Okuma LB3000 EX II MY (long bed), Haas ST-25L, and DMG Mori CLX 450 (long bed) in the extended-bed mid-range turning segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 250 mm (10 in) hydraulic |
| Max Turning Diameter | 360 mm (14.17 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 800 mm (31.50 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 | 800 mm (31.50 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 | 5,200 kg (11,464 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 800mm Z-axis travel enables complete machining of long shafts, bars, and tubular parts in a single setup, maintaining concentricity across the full length
- 18.5 kW spindle power with 280 Nm torque handles aggressive roughing on long parts where material removal is significant
- Hardened and ground box ways provide superior vibration damping critical for long-reach turning where tool deflection and chatter are common challenges
- Hardinge's collet-ready spindle design enables precision collet workholding for bar stock up to 65mm, with rapid switching to chuck operation
- Hydraulic programmable tailstock provides essential support for long workpieces, preventing deflection during heavy cuts
- 5,200 kg machine weight provides excellent thermal stability and vibration damping for the extended bed configuration
Limitations
- Extended bed adds approximately $15,000-$20,000 to the base price compared to the standard GS-250 without proportionally increasing capability for shorter parts
- Larger footprint requires more floor space than the standard bed variant, which may be a constraint in space-limited precision shops
- 4,500 RPM maximum spindle speed limits high-speed finishing strategies on smaller diameters common in long shaft work
- Box way design results in slower rapid traverse speeds, which is more pronounced on the extended Z-axis during non-cutting moves
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The GS-250L extends the Z-axis travel from 550 mm to 800 mm (31.50 in), enabling complete machining of longer parts in a single setup. All other specifications including spindle power, bar capacity, chuck size, and X-axis travel remain identical. The long-bed variant adds approximately 700 kg to the machine weight and typically costs $15,000-$20,000 more than the standard bed.
02
New Hardinge GS-250L turning centers typically price between $125,000 and $180,000 depending on configuration. Options that increase price include live tooling, C-axis, bar feeder, high-pressure coolant, and probing. The long-bed premium over the standard GS-250 is approximately $15,000-$20,000.
03
Yes, the GS-250L handles parts of any length up to 800 mm. The extended bed simply provides additional Z-axis travel; there is no performance penalty when machining shorter parts. Many shops choose the long-bed variant for flexibility even if most current work fits the standard bed.
04
For parts exceeding roughly 3:1 length-to-diameter ratio, tailstock support is strongly recommended to prevent deflection during turning. The GS-250L includes a hydraulic programmable tailstock as standard, which automatically positions and engages for supported turning operations.
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