FAQ on refurbished industrial robots · Alessandro Tenti

Question 1

How much does a refurbished industrial robot cost?

Accepted Answer

From €10,000 for a robot, depending on payload, reach, year, hours and controller. A complete welding cell, from €20,000. Compared with new, savings range from 15% on recent models to 50–60% on older generations, with warranty.

Question 2

What is the difference between used and refurbished?

Accepted Answer

A used robot is sold "as is". A refurbished one goes through overhaul of motors, gearboxes, cabling, brakes, batteries, controller and teach pendant; it is calibrated, load-tested and documented. Only then does it carry a warranty.

Question 3

What warranty do you give and what if it fails?

Accepted Answer

6 months on robot and controller, in spare parts: if something fails, we send you the part (the warranty does not include technician visits). From day one you get immediate online support for the diagnosis. Lead time for the part depends on whether it is in stock; I'll tell you as soon as we know what failed.

Question 4

What is the real delivery time?

Accepted Answer

Once the robot is ready, shipping takes 5–6 days. Preparation time depends on the robot and I state it in the quotation. For cells we don't give a standard lead time: it depends on each project. We ship worldwide.

Question 5

Do the robot's hours and year matter?

Accepted Answer

Less than you would think. An industrial robot is designed for 80,000–100,000 hours; what matters is the condition of gearboxes and cables, which shows in the test, and that the controller has spare parts. I always ask for the hours history and deliver it with the robot.

Question 6

KUKA, ABB, FANUC or Yaskawa Motoman?

Accepted Answer

No brand is better than another: KUKA, ABB, FANUC and Yaskawa Motoman all do the same jobs well. We always choose the best solution for your specific job: payload, reach, cycle time, budget and what you already have on site.

Question 7

Is a KUKA KRC2 still worth it in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Only if you specifically want one: we no longer offer robots older than 2010 as standard. It can make sense if you already run other KRC2s in the plant. For PROFINET, EtherCAT or configurable safety, go for KRC4.

Question 8

Who integrates the robot into my line?

Accepted Answer

We don't install or commission. We deliver the robot overhauled, tested and configured with the I/O and fieldbus your integrator asks for. If you don't have one, we find someone in your area to do it.

Question 9

Can I see the robot running before paying?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If the robot is already prepared, yes: I send you a video of the load test or you come to Bilbao to see it. If it isn't ready yet, I can't prepare it just to show it to you before purchase. What is guaranteed: before delivery you always test it, on video or in person.

Question 10

Will my people know how to use it?

Accepted Answer

Your team needs training. We can provide it at our facility in Bilbao, in Spanish, Italian, French or English. For on-site support, it's best to then rely on a local technician or integrator.

Question 11

Will there be spare parts in five years?

Accepted Answer

We work mainly with robots from 2010 onwards (KRC4, IRC5, R-30iA/iB, DX100/DX200…), the generations with the largest installed base and the easiest spare parts to find. Older robots are offered only if the customer specifically asks, and before you buy I tell you which spares are available.

Question 12

How do we start?

Accepted Answer

A 30-minute call: part, cycle, space and budget. Within 24 working hours you have available robots and an indicative price; within a week, a proposal with robot, controller and a fixed price.

What I get asked before buying a refurbished robot

Is your case different?

Is your case different?

One real case a month