What to Look for When Buying a Used Kuraki
Kuraki horizontal boring mills are engineered for decades of heavy-duty service. Hand-scraped slideways, box-type construction, and high-inertia spindle design deliver precision that holds up over time.
Inspect the boring spindle and geared head. Kuraki's dual-structure spindle (boring and milling spindles rotating together) produces inertia roughly 10 times greater than a standard HMC. Measure spindle runout at the nose and at full quill extension. Test across full RPM range and listen for bearing noise. On geared-head models, verify smooth shifting under load.
Check the slideways and axis travel. Kuraki machines use hardened, ground box ways with a trapezoid bed and V-style rib structure. Inspect way surfaces for scoring or wear. Check backlash on X, Y, Z, and W with a dial indicator — any measurable backlash indicates wear that may require reconditioning.
Verify the rotary table and B-axis indexing. All Kuraki table-type machines feature a built-in rotary table with full B-axis contouring (0.001-degree indexing). Test positioning accuracy at multiple angles. Kuraki's proprietary mechanical locate pin engages every 90 degrees for maximum rigidity during heavy cuts. Confirm clean pin engagement and that the double-pinion gear drive operates smoothly through full rotation.
Confirm the Fanuc control and ATC. Identify the Fanuc version (15M, 16M, 16iM, 31i-A5, or 31i-B5). Newer 31i controls hold a premium over older platforms. Cycle the ATC through every pocket (typically 40 or 60 tools on KBT models). Confirm coolant-through-spindle, chip conveyor, and scale feedback if equipped.
Kuraki KBT Table-Type Horizontal Boring Mills
KBT-11 Series (4.33" Spindle)
The KBT-11A and KBT-11WA (extended W-axis travel) are Kuraki's current-production 4.33" spindle platform and the most common Kuraki models on the used market. Features include a geared head delivering up to 3,000 RPM (6,000 RPM on high-speed variants), 40-tool ATC, CAT 50 or BIG-PLUS BBT50 taper, and table capacities to 14,300 lbs. The KBT-11Z offers additional configuration options. Legacy KBT-11WDX and KBT-11DX remain widely traded.
KBT-13 and KBT-15 Series (5.12" and 5.9" Spindle)
The KBT-13A (5.12" spindle) handles larger workpieces with tables to 70" x 63" and load capacities exceeding 26,000 lbs. The KBT-13EA extends X-axis past 157" for long workpieces. The KBT-15A steps up to a 5.9" spindle, and the KBT-15B MAX delivers maximum travel and heavy-load capacity. Legacy KBT-13DXA and KBT-10DX remain actively traded.
Kuraki KBM, AKB & Specialty Machines
KBM Compact Series
The KBM-11 series (KBM-11EM, KBM-11X) packs full 4.33" spindle boring into the smallest footprint in Kuraki's lineup. Floor space as low as 169" x 177" makes these viable where a full-size KBT will not fit, while retaining Kuraki's rigidity and milling capacity.
AKB Value Series
The AKB-11 (4.33" spindle) and AKB-13 (5.12" spindle) deliver Kuraki build quality at accessible investment levels. AKB HMC variants offer 6,000 RPM high-torque spindles for shops needing both boring and milling capability.
KBH High-Speed, KBF Floor-Type & KHM Series
The KBH series achieves spindle speeds up to 12,000 RPM for applications requiring both precision boring and aggressive milling. The KBF floor-type boring mills handle the largest, heaviest workpieces with 5.9" spindles and extended travels. The KHM-125 twin-pallet HMC combines boring mill precision with production throughput, featuring 50" x 50" pallets.
How to Sell Your Used Kuraki
Kuraki horizontal boring mills hold strong resale value due to specialized reputation, heavy-duty construction, and demand for boring capacity in aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment. KBT-11 and KBT-13 series are in particularly high demand.
Resell CNC buys used Kuraki machines, every model, every generation, nationwide.
- Contact us — call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
- Accept the offer — we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Used Kuraki Machines
Are used Kuraki horizontal boring mills reliable?
Yes. Kuraki has specialized in horizontal boring mills since 1938 and delivered over 7,000 machines worldwide. Hand-scraped slideways, box-type column construction, and dual-structure spindle design are built for decades of heavy-duty service. Parts and service continue through DMG MORI Precision Boring USA.
What is the difference between the KBT-11A and KBT-11WA?
Both share the same 4.33" spindle, geared head, and rotary table. The KBT-11WA adds extended W-axis (quill) travel for greater reach into deep workpieces. The "W" designation indicates the longer quill stroke. Both are available with Fanuc 31i controls and 40-tool ATC standard.
What CNC control does Kuraki use?
All Kuraki machines use Fanuc CNC controls. Current-production models feature Fanuc 31i-A5 or 31i-B5 (5-axis). Older machines may run Fanuc 15M, 16M, or 16iM. Machines with 31i hold a premium on the used market due to better programming capability and parts availability.
Is Kuraki still in business?
Yes. Kuraki was acquired by DMG MORI in 2023 and renamed DMG MORI Precision Boring in 2024. Manufacturing continues at the original Nagaoka plant. In the US, DMG MORI Precision Boring USA handles sales, service, and parts through the DMG MORI network.
What should I inspect before buying a used Kuraki?
Focus on the boring spindle (runout at full quill extension), slideway condition, rotary table accuracy (B-axis positioning and locate pin), and Fanuc control version. Cycle the ATC and verify coolant-through-spindle if equipped.
What Kuraki models hold their value best?
KBT-11WA and KBT-13A table-type boring mills with Fanuc 31i controls consistently maintain the strongest resale values. KBT-13EA extended-travel models and KBM-11X compact borers also hold well. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used Kuraki machines?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options. Call (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used Kuraki?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every Kuraki model nationwide. Free appraisal within 24 hours.