When you consider purchasing a used heavy-duty lathe like the TACCHI DB 132 HS (1700×8000) made in Italy, you’re buying far more than just “a machine”. You’re acquiring a large-scale capital tool with major installation, transport, and operational implications. Below is a detailed evaluation guide to help you assess such equipment before purchase.

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1. Machine Overview

• The TACCHI DB 132 HS is a heavy-duty CNC lathe built for large scale work — roll turning, large shafts, long centres. For example listings show: Maximum Turning Diameter ~ 94.48 in / ~2,400 mm and Distance Between Centres ~275.6 in / ~7,000 mm.
• It’s equipped with a high-power spindle, serious torque (up to ~110,000 Nm) and built on a stable, massive bed structure.
• Built in Italy by Tacchi, so European standards, heavy castings, large footprint, substantial investment in foundations, services, and relocation.

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2. Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

A. Mechanical Condition & Structure

• Bed, way surfaces and alignment – Check for wear, scoring, repairs in the guideways and saddle, signs of low lubrication or large vibrations.
• Spindle & drive system – Confirm spindle bore (e.g., 160 mm ~6.3″) and spindle nose size (e.g., ~508 mm ~20″) per spec. Listen for bearing noise, check run-out, check service history.
• Torque rating & motor condition – Confirm the main spindle motor power, and whether torque curves still match original spec (e.g., ~172 HP / ~128–172 kW depending on listing)
• Distance between centres & turning diameter – Confirm that the machine’s travels, centres, chuck size and swing correspond with your requirements (e.g., ~2,700 mm centres or 7,000 mm in some listings)
• Saddle, carriage, feed systems – Evaluate motor drives, gearboxes, backlash, wear in cross slide and feed mechanisms.

B. CNC Control, Drives & Electronics

• Control system – Check type (listings show Siemens 840D) Ensure software version, licences, backups.
• Drives & servo motors – Confirm condition, check for replaced or heavily used drives, look for overheating or fault logs.
• Safety systems & interlocks – These machines are massive. Ensure emergency stops, guard doors, way covers and chip/dust handling are intact.
• Electrical supply – Confirm whether the workshop has the required power feed, grounding, voltage, and whether the machine needs upgrades.

C. Installation, Foundation, Utility Requirements

• Machine weight & footprint – Listings show ~81,000 kg (~181,000 lbs) for one version. Ensure your workshop floor and foundation can support it.
• Foundation & alignment – Large bed machines like this often require reinforced foundation, vibration isolation, and accurate leveling.
• Services – Check hydraulic systems, coolant, lubrication, chip conveyors, air supply, temperature control.
• Relocation history – If machine has been moved, verify documentation, re-alignment, and whether major components were disturbed.

D. Accuracy & Usage History

• Machine usage – Ask for hours of spindle operation, number of parts produced, workload type (heavy vs light).
• Accuracy tests – Ask for recent test reports: turning diameter, centreline run-out, repeatability, geometric accuracy.
• Maintenance records – Spindle rebuilds, way re-grindings, drive replacements.
• Spare parts availability – Tacchi is European brand — ensure parts supply for your region and cost implications.

E. Hidden Costs & Risk Factors

• Logistics and rigging – A machine this size demands major transport, crane, rigging, disassembly/assembly and may involve downtime.
• Installation & commissioning – Costs for foundation preparation, leveling, alignment, cooling and chip handling may be substantial.
• Downtime cost – Ensure machine is in working condition — refurbishment costs can add up.
• Obsolescence – Check how modern the CNC system is, availability of support for servo drives, controls, spares.
• Resale value – Being large, heavy machines they may have less demand; ensure strategic fit for your shop.

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3. Typical Value & Market Comparison

For a used Tacchi DB 132 HS in good condition (e.g., model 14×7000, 2015) listings show high specs: ~94.5″ turning diameter (~2,400 mm), distance between centres ~7,000 mm, 110,000 Nm torque, 172 HP spindle motor.

Because of its size and condition, price can vary widely:

• Excellent condition (recently refurbished, low hours) → Premium price
• Good condition (service history ok, average hours) → Balanced price
• Fair condition (needs alignment/spindle rebuild) → Discounted price but higher risk

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4. Summary Checklist Table

Item	Key Questions	Acceptable Status
Spindle Bore & Torque	Does spindle bore match requirements? Torque sufficient for your parts?	Bore and torque ≥ required spec
Bed & Guideways	Are there wear signs, repairs, corrosion?	Smooth way surfaces, minimal repairs
CNC & Drives	What control version? Are drives healthy?	Modern control, good servo health
Foundation & Floor	Can the machine be mounted safely?	Adequate foundation, floor load sufficient
Accuracy Tests	Are reports available?	Meets spec or slightly better
Service History	Are maintenance logs present?	Complete, no major overdue service
Relocation & Installation	Are logistics accounted for?	Clear rigging plan, no hidden cost
Parts & Support	Are spares accessible?	Good parts availability in your country / EU

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Final Thoughts

Purchasing a used Tacchi DB 132 HS is a major decision — it offers impressive capacity and precision for large turning jobs, but the risks and costs of purchase, relocation, installation and maintenance are high. The key is thorough inspection, verification of condition and history, and aligning the machine’s capabilities with your actual production needs.