Hey guys, first post... I am looking to replace an EMAG VL5 and was looking at my options for inverted spindle lathes with live tooling.
We just bought an NL2500SY and LOVE it. We want to get rid of a BIG headache (VL5) and get something that is more dependable. I was looking at what Mori has to offer and was curious if anyone here has knowledge on these machines.

Thanks!
Polish

the CS series is a carryover from the hitachi seiki line. They are good machines but Mori service knows basically nothing about the hitachi line nor do they really care to know anything about it. It's been a thorn in their side ever since Mori bought Hitachi Seiki. I was one of the few AEs that had any experience with the seicos control mainly because of the time I spent on a ZV400 (supermiller 5 axis). Good luck getting parts for them too.

I understand Mori plans to release a newer version of the CS line... I forget what it's going to be called, though.

Might be a bit late for this reply, I'm afraid, but better late than never.
We have two CS25 machines, well.... a standard CS25 and CS25W which is a twin version with a turnover robot in between to machine double ended parts.
If the live tooling is important then take care, ours was bought through Hitachi Seiki UK as a turnkey, the live tooling supplier they chose (HS didn't make their own) was pretty poor, and after about 12 months we were having live tooling dying all over. It's VDI turret system, so there is a fair amount of choice for different live tooling suppliers and I would advise picking a good one and paying the premium, within reason.
As a lathe, I've found them very good and very reliable. The std CS we have, we bought used and does not have live tooling, we just run pulleys on it and it has been chewing through them steadily and reliably for about 4 years, the self loading is pretty good, although quite slow. Operator can throw a couple of dozen raw castings in the loader and forget it for an hour. Only issue being as 'the thrill' states above..... spares, some spares can be found quite easily, others can be troublesome.
All in all, I'd say if you could get one at a very good price, then go for it, otherwise choose something from a current manufacturer.