What is a used CNC machine still worth? The honest answer is a range, not a number — and that range can be narrowed reasonably well from three inputs: machine class, build year, and spindle hours. The calculator below does exactly that. The tables it runs on are listed underneath, so you can follow every result.
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How the residual value calculator computes its result
- Age curve per machine class. Each class has a documented value-retention range after ten years (Table 1). The calculator applies a geometric depreciation curve that hits exactly that range at year ten; from year eleven onward the curve flattens to 7 percent per year, with a floor of 8 percent of the original price.
- Spindle-hour adjustment. The price effect of spindle hours (Table 2 or 3, depending on spindle class) is applied to the result of the age curve. Under 5,000 hours is a premium; over 15,000 hours is a significant discount.
- Euro conversion. With an original price entered, the percentage range converts into euros. Without one, the result stays in percent.
What the calculator deliberately doesn’t capture: control generation, equipment (pallets, automation, touch probes), maintenance history, visual condition, spare-parts availability, and current demand on export markets. These factors shift the value within the range — and in individual cases beyond it. What they specifically do is covered in What is my CNC machine worth? and How we value your machine.
Table 1 — Value retention after ten years by machine class
| Machine class | Typical manufacturers | Value retention after 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| Premium top tier | Hermle, Röders, Studer, Kern | 50–60% of original price |
| Premium brands | DMG MORI, Mazak, Okuma, Grob, Heller | 35–50% |
| Solid industrial class | Haas, Doosan/DN Solutions, Hurco, Spinner | 25–40% |
| Established mid-range | older generations, standard controls, niche manufacturers | 20–30% |
Reference ranges from our own transactions on the European used-machinery market. Class assignment also depends on the model — a Mazak Variaxis counts among the top tier, a Mazak standard lathe among the premium brands.
Table 2 — Spindle hours: premium milling machines
| Spindle hours | Status | Price impact |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5,000 h | Very good — nearly like new | +10 to +15% |
| 5,000–10,000 h | Good — normal operation | 0 to −5% |
| 10,000–15,000 h | Acceptable — inspection recommended | −10 to −20% |
| 15,000–25,000 h | High — spindle test report mandatory | −20 to −35% |
| Over 25,000 h | Very high — assess risk | −35 to −50% |
Table 3 — Spindle hours: standard machines
| Spindle hours | Status | Price impact |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5,000 h | Very good | +8 to +12% |
| 5,000–8,000 h | Good | Reference (0%) |
| 8,000–15,000 h | Normal | −12 to −22% |
| 15,000–20,000 h | High — inspection needed | −25 to −40% |
| Over 20,000 h | Very high | −40 to −55% |
Both spindle tables are identical to those in our Spindle hours and price guide — which also covers how to read spindle hours on Heidenhain, Siemens, FANUC, and MAZATROL controls, and why a spindle test report can noticeably affect the achievable price at high runtimes. The percentages in both tables are reference values from our transaction experience, not market statistics.
Two worked examples
Hermle C 42 U, built 2016, 9,000 spindle hours, assumed original price €420,000 (worked example, not a list price). Premium top tier, 10 years old: age curve 50–60%. Spindle hours of 5,000–10,000 h on a premium milling machine: 0 to −5%. Result: roughly 48–60% of the original price, or about €200,000 to €250,000. The result is a computational orientation, not a market price statement; equipment (pallet changer, Heidenhain TNC 640) and maintenance records shift the value up or down.
Haas VF-2, built 2014, 17,000 spindle hours, assumed original price €90,000 (worked example, not a list price). Solid industrial class, 12 years old: age curve roughly 22–35%. Standard machine with 15,000–20,000 h: −25 to −40%. Result: roughly 13–26% of the original price, or about €12,000 to €23,000 (computed, not a market price statement). Here, spindle condition decides almost the entire difference — a test report is essential.
What the result is good for — and what it isn’t
The calculator answers a business question: is it worth selling, trading the machine in against a new one, transporting it during a plant relocation, or continuing to run it? A range is enough for that decision. If the calculation points to selling, our guide Selling machine tools compares the routes to sale.
It doesn’t replace a valuation by a certified appraiser, as required by banks, insurers, or courts, and it isn’t an offer. A price for your machine only emerges after we review the key data — request a valuation, free and non-binding.
The calculator isn’t designed for injection moulding machines: there, shot count, clamping force, and control determine the value, not spindle hours.
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Residual Value Calculator for CNC Machines
Machine class, year of manufacture and spindle hours — together these produce a residual value range as a percentage of the original price. Add the original price for a euro estimate too.
- Age
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- Age curve (class)
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- Spindle-hours adjustment
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An indicative range based on the tables documented on this page — not a valuation and not an offer. Control generation, equipment, maintenance history and current market conditions shift the value within and beyond this range.
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