If you’re considering buying a 2nd-hand Okuma MX-45VAE (1999) vertical machining center, there are a lot of things to check carefully. Older machines can be solid performers, but wear, improper maintenance, or missing parts can lead to unexpected costs. Below is a checklist of what to look out for + what questions to ask. I can also tailor it for Turkey / your site if you want.

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What to check – Mechanical & Structural

1. Spindle Health
   • Check spindle run-out (radial & axial). Excessive run-out = worn bearings or taper damage.
   • Listen for unusual vibration, noise, or overheating during spindle running.
   • Check spindle overload alarms or if spindle fails to reach rated RPM. Some owners have reported problems with “spindle motor overloaded” alarms.
   • Make sure spindle cooling / lubrication systems work (motor fans, coolant supply, thermal protection).
2. Way Guides, Ballscrews, Linear Rails
   • Look under way covers; check condition of way covers and cleanliness. Dirt / chips = accelerated wear.
   • Check if lubrication (grease or oil lines) to ways is present and functional. Some users report grease lines to linear rails being empty, which causes wear.
   • Measure backlash in axes (X, Y, Z) to see if ballscrews are worn.
3. Tool Changer / ATC Function
   • Test full tool change cycle. Does the tool magazine arm move smoothly? Any sticking or misalignment?
   • Check orientation of spindle (if required for tool changes) and whether ATC logic is intact. Some reports of stuck tool changers when spindle orientation is lost (E-stop etc.).
   • Check for parts availability for ATC and magazine.
4. Control System / Electronics
   • Is the control (OSP-700M, etc.) fully working? Are there lots of alarms? Are all panels, indicators, switches, displays ok?
   • Ask about history of electrical issues, replacement of boards, battery backups, etc.
   • Check if the interface (language, parameter menus) is as desired and whether documentation/manuals are present. Some people have trouble changing interface language etc.
5. Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Cooling, Lubrication Systems
   • Condition & cleanliness of hydraulic oils, filters. Any leaks?
   • Are coolant tanks clean? Are coolant pumps operational? Are filters good?
   • Lubrication lines/tanks for way lube, spindle lubrication, etc. Ensure they have been maintained.
   • Cooling for spindle and motors should be functional.
6. Leveling & Foundations
   • Machine must be properly leveled; being out of level causes uneven wear and accuracy issues.
   • Foundation & mounting—vibration, settling can damage.
7. Accuracy & Alignment
   • Check workpiece finish in precision cuts; measure tolerances on sample jobs.
   • Squareness of axes; test via dial indicators or precision tools.
   • Test table flatness / alignment; also check feeder or pallet if present.
8. Operating Hours and Usage History
   • How many hours has it run? Heavy use vs light? Has it been frequently idle (long periods can also harm some systems if unused)?
   • Maintenance history: any major overhauls, spindle replacement, ballscrew replacement, control repairs.
9. Wear on Consumables & Replaceable Parts
   • Worn spindle taper, chuck (if relevant), tool holders: condition matters.
   • Condition of way covers, seals, wipers, guards.
   • Condition of belts, couplings, hoses.
10. Safety Features & Guards

• Doors, interlocks, shields, emergency stops: do they function? Are safety systems intact?

11. Parts & Support

• Can you still get spare parts locally (for Taiwan, Europe, etc.) or imported?
• Manuals, schematics: do you get them? Are they in a language you can use?
• Know if specific parts (spindle bearings, ATC elements, way covers) are costly or long lead time.

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Specific Known Issues for Okuma MX-45VAE

From forum reports etc.:

• Tool changer jams or gets stuck if spindle orientation is lost (after E-stop, power off during ATC).
• Spindle overload alarms: for example “Vac Overloaded” or “1057 A Spindle Motor overloaded” when spindle warms up or after high load. Possibly due to thermostat issues or cooling issues.
• Grease lines to linear rails sometimes empty, leading to poor lubrication.
• Way covers often get chip buildup, damage; poor chip evacuation can cause damage to guides.

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What Questions to Ask / What Tests to Do

• Request to see the machine in operation: ideally run a job that’s similar to what you’ll do.
• See full startup, warm-up, spindle up to max RPM, test under load.
• Ask for maintenance records.
• Ask what consumables have been replaced recently.
• Check the alignment and accuracy with test pieces or fixtures.
• Ask about the environment: temperature, humidity, dust / chip conditions. Machines used in harsh environment may have more wear.
• Ask about spares: what inclusions (tool holders, fixtures, manuals, spare parts) are part of the deal.

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What Settling / Pricing Considerations

• Older machines might look cheap, but repair costs for spindles, ATC, electronics can be high.
• Factor in transport, installation, re-leveling, alignment, possible rebuilds.
• If some parts are missing, factor cost of acquiring them.