If you are shopping for a used Okuma lathe, you will quickly notice that two machines with nearly the same model number can be listed at very different prices. Buyers regularly ask us why one Okuma is so much more than another that looks almost identical in the photos. In most cases, the answer is in the series name and the letters at the end of the model. Those tell you how many turrets and spindles the machine has and whether it can mill as well as turn.
This guide walks through the main Okuma lathe lines you will see on the used market, what the common letters mean, and how they change what a machine can do.
The Short Answer
The series name tells you the basic layout: Genos L and LB are one-turret lathes, LU has upper and lower turrets, LT has twin spindles, and Multus is a turn-mill multitasking machine. The letters after the model add capability: M for live milling tools, Y for a Y-axis, and W for a second spindle. Each one adds hardware to the machine, which is why it also adds to its value.
The Main Okuma Lathe Lines You Will See Used
Within each line, a larger number generally means a larger machine. Okuma places the LB3000 EX II and LU3000 EX in the 8 to 10 inch chuck class, the LU4000 EX in the 10 to 15 inch class, and the LT2000 EX in the 6 inch class.
Genos L: Okuma's Entry-Level Lathes
Okuma presents the Genos lathes as its affordable, entry-level line. The Genos L3000-e is a one-saddle lathe, meaning one turret, with optional live milling, Y-axis, and a sub spindle. Earlier Genos models were sold under names like Genos L200E, L300E, and L400.
LB: One-Saddle Lathes
Okuma calls the LB3000 EX II its premier one-saddle lathe, offered in turning-only (L), milling (M), and milling with Y-axis (MY) versions. The larger LB4000 EX follows the same pattern, as in the LB4000 EX MY. Older machines carry names like the LB-45II.
LU: Two Turrets Cutting at Once
The LU series has an upper and a lower turret that can cut at the same time, which Okuma describes as simultaneous 4-axis machining. Models include the LU3000 EX, LU4000 EX, and the much larger LU7000 EX. Older generations include machines like the LU-15 and LU-35.
LT: Twin-Spindle Lathes
The LT series pairs two spindles with two or three turrets, so both ends of a part can be machined in one cycle. Okuma offers the LT2000 EX in two-turret and three-turret versions, with or without Y-axis. The LT3000 EX is the larger model.
Multus: Turn-Mill Multitasking Machines
Multus machines combine a lathe with a milling spindle that tilts, so one machine can turn, drill, and mill at angles. Okuma describes the Multus B250II as a 5-axis multitasking machine in the 6 to 8 inch chuck class, with the B300II in the 8 to 10 inch class and the U3000 and U4000 above that. Toolquip lists these under 5-Axis Lathes.
What M, MY, and W Mean on an Okuma Lathe
Okuma uses the same set of letters across most of its lathe lines. If you have read our post on what M, S, and Y mean on a Mazak lathe, the idea is similar, though Okuma uses W rather than S for a second spindle.
| Letter | What It Adds | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|---|
| L | Turning only | A standard lathe. The L is often left out of the model name. |
| M | Live milling tools on the turret | Can drill, tap, and mill features on the part without moving it to a mill. |
| MY | Live tooling plus a Y-axis | Can reach features that sit off the part's centerline. |
| W | Sub spindle | Can pass the part over and machine the back side in the same cycle. |
| 2T / 3T | Two or three turrets (LT series) | More tools working on the part at once. |
Putting it together, a Genos L3000-e MYW is a Genos L3000-e with live tooling, a Y-axis, and a sub spindle. An LT3000 EX-3T3MY is a twin-spindle LT3000 EX with three turrets and milling with Y-axis. A number after a slash, as in Multus B250II-1SW/750, usually refers to the machining length in millimeters.
Why the Letters Change the Value of a Used Okuma Lathe
Each letter stands for real hardware: drive motors in the turret for live tools, a Y-axis slide, or a second spindle with its own motor and chuck. That hardware costs more when the machine is built new, and the difference carries into the used market.
Take three Genos L3000-e lathes. All share the same basic size, but a turning-only machine, an M version, and an MYW version are different tools. The MYW can often finish a part in one setup that would take two or three operations on the turning-only machine. That capability is what a buyer pays for.
When you compare two used Okuma lathes, compare the full model name first, then the year, control, chuck size, bar capacity, and hours. It is also worth asking whether you will use the extra features. A shop that only turns shafts may not need a Y-axis, while a shop doing complete parts may find a sub spindle saves a second machine.
Current Toolquip Listings
See all Okuma listings or browse CNC Lathes.
One More Thing to Know: The Okuma OSP Control
Okuma builds its own OSP control rather than using a FANUC control, so the machine and control come from the same company. If your operators are used to FANUC, plan some time for training. Our post on why FANUC control became the go-to CNC standard covers that side of the decision.
Looking for a specific Okuma configuration, like an LB with Y-axis or a Genos with a sub spindle? Tell us what you need and we will keep an eye out.
Tell Us What You're Looking ForThis article is general information shared for educational purposes and reflects our experience at Toolquip. Model names, specifications, and features vary by year and configuration, so verify details with the manufacturer and the specific machine, and do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.