What to Look for When Buying a Used Kent USA Machine
Kent USA machines are built in Taiwan to production-grade standards and offer strong value across grinding, turning, and milling. Surface grinders are the most common Kent machines on the used market, but lathes, mills, and saws also trade frequently. Here is what to inspect.
On surface grinders, inspect the table, spindle, and hydraulics. Check the table for scoring or magnetic chuck damage. Run the spindle and listen for bearing noise. Test hydraulic table traverse for smooth travel. On AHD models, verify auto-downfeed and auto-crossfeed cycle correctly. Inspect wheel guard and coolant delivery.
On lathes, check the spindle, ways, and tailstock. Measure spindle runout and test across the full speed range. Inspect bed ways for wear near the headstock. Verify tailstock alignment and quill lock. On CNC models, check ballscrew backlash and turret indexing.
On milling machines, verify the spindle, table, and drive system. Test spindle runout and bearing condition. On knee mills, check gibs for proper adjustment and smooth travel. On CNC VMCs, cycle the tool changer through all pockets and confirm rigid tapping. Check the coolant system and enclosure.
Confirm the control and electrical system. Kent machines use Fanuc, Fagor, Acu-Rite, or GSK controls depending on model and era. Verify the control powers up cleanly and loads programs without errors. On manual machines with DROs, confirm all axes read accurately.
Kent USA Surface Grinders
SGS Series (Manual Surface Grinders)
The SGS series is Kent USA's flagship product and the most traded Kent model line. These manual surface grinders feature precision-ground tables, variable-speed spindles, and hydraulic traverse. Models range from the compact SGS-618M (6x18 table) through the SGS-1020AHD (10x20, auto-hydraulic downfeed) to heavy-duty units like the SGS-1632AHD and SGS-2040AHD. The AHD designation indicates automatic hydraulic downfeed, the most popular used-market configuration.
KGS Series (CNC & Programmable Grinders)
The KGS series adds CNC or PLC-programmable capability to Kent's grinding platform. Models like the KGS-63AHD and KGS-84AHD offer programmable crossfeed, downfeed, and wheel dressing cycles for production grinding with repeatable finishes.
Column-Type & Double-Column Grinders
For oversized workpieces, Kent offers column-type surface grinders with table sizes exceeding 24x60 inches. Double-column designs provide maximum rigidity for heavy stock removal on large castings, die plates, and tooling.
Kent USA Lathes
KLS Series (Manual Engine Lathes)
The KLS series manual engine lathes serve tool rooms and general-purpose shops. Swing capacities range from 13 inches (KLS-1340) through 20 inches (KLS-2060, KLS-2080) to over 30 inches on large-gap models. Features include hardened and ground beds, geared headstocks, and inch/metric threading. The KLS-1540 and KLS-2060 are among the most traded Kent lathes.
Kent CNC Turning Centers
Kent CNC lathes bring Fanuc-controlled turning to shops moving beyond manual equipment. These machines offer enclosed guarding, turrets, and programmable spindle speeds in flat-bed and slant-bed configurations covering chuck sizes from 6 through 15 inches.
Kent USA Milling Machines
KTM Series (Manual Knee Mills)
The KTM series vertical knee mills follow the proven Bridgeport-style format. Models like the KTM-3VKF and KTM-4VKF feature variable-speed heads, R8 or NT40 spindle tapers, and X-axis power feed. These are among the most traded Kent machines, valued for reliability and ease of operation.
Kent CNC Vertical Machining Centers
Kent CNC VMCs offer programmable production milling with Fanuc controls, BT40 or CAT40 spindles, and tool changers with 16 to 24 pockets. Table travel ranges from 800mm to 1,300mm. Rigid tapping and enclosed coolant systems come standard.
Kent USA Specialty Machines
Kent USA also manufactures cylindrical grinders (OD and ID), centerless grinders, radial arm drills, and horizontal bandsaws. Cylindrical grinders serve tool and die shops for precision round work. Kent bandsaws handle fabrication and structural cutting.
How to Sell Your Used Kent USA
Kent USA machines hold solid resale value thanks to the brand's large installed base and reliable performance. SGS-AHD grinders, KLS lathes, and KTM knee mills see consistent demand.
Resell CNC buys used Kent USA machines of every type, model, and condition, nationwide.
- Contact us at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
- Accept the offer and we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Kent USA Machines
Are used Kent USA machines reliable?
Yes. Kent USA machines are manufactured in Taiwan using quality castings, precision-ground components, and proven designs. The brand has supplied North American shops for nearly four decades, and Kent machines hold accuracy well under daily production use. Parts and service are available through Kent's US headquarters in Southern California.
What CNC controls does Kent USA use?
Kent CNC machines use Fanuc, Fagor, Acu-Rite, or GSK controls depending on model and generation. Manual machines often include Acu-Rite or Newall digital readouts. Matching the control to your existing platform simplifies training.
What should I inspect before buying a used Kent USA?
On surface grinders, focus on table condition, spindle bearings, and hydraulic function. On lathes, check spindle runout, bed way wear, and tailstock alignment. On mills, verify spindle condition and table travel. On all CNC models, test the control, servo drives, and axis positioning. A powered test cut is always recommended.
What Kent USA models hold their value best?
SGS-series surface grinders (especially AHD models in 10x20 and 16x32 sizes) are consistently strong on the resale market. KLS-series lathes and KTM knee mills also retain value due to demand from job shops and educational institutions. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
Where are Kent USA machines manufactured?
Kent USA machines are manufactured in Taiwan and distributed through Kent Industrial USA, Inc. in Carson, California. The US operation provides sales, technical support, warranty service, and parts for all Kent products in North America.
What industries use Kent USA machines?
Kent USA equipment serves job shops, tool and die makers, aerospace subcontractors, automotive suppliers, medical device manufacturers, mold shops, and educational institutions. The brand's combination of capability and value makes it a popular choice for shops of all sizes.
How do I sell my used Kent USA?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every Kent USA model, nationwide. Free appraisal within 24 hours.