Page 2 · FAQ · Rev. 09/2026
What I get asked before buying a refurbished robot
Twelve straight answers, with indicative 2026 figures. Every project is quoted separately. If your question isn't here, write to me and I'll add it.
- How much does a refurbished industrial robot cost?
- Between €12,000 and €45,000 depending on payload, reach, year, hours and controller. A complete welding cell, €60,000 to €120,000. Compared with new, savings range from 15 % on recent models to 50–60 % on earlier generations, with warranty.
- FactTypical saving vs new: 15–60 %
- What is the difference between used and refurbished?
- 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.
- What warranty do you give and what if it fails?
- 6 months on robot and controller, extendable. If it fails, remote diagnosis within 24 h; spare part or technician from Bilbao. KRC4, IRC5 and R-30iA spares in stock.
- FactStandard warranty: 6 months
- What is the real delivery time?
- Robot only: 2–3 weeks from stock in Bilbao (the final overhaul sets the lead time, not manufacturing). Complete cell with tooling and commissioning: 6–10 weeks. We ship across Europe and to Turkey.
- FactRobot from stock: 2–3 weeks
- Do the robot's hours and year matter?
- 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.
- KUKA, ABB, FANUC or Yaskawa Motoman?
- The one your maintenance team already knows. Starting from scratch: KUKA for welding and heavy handling, ABB for palletising, FANUC for machine tools and injection moulding, Yaskawa Motoman for arc welding.
- Is a KUKA KRC2 still worth it in 2026?
- Yes for simple applications and very tight budgets: spares exist and I know how to program it. For modern fieldbus (PROFINET, EtherCAT) or functional safety, move to KRC4.
- Who integrates the robot into my line?
- Three options: your usual integrator (I deliver the robot configured with the I/O and fieldbus they ask for), an integrator from our network in your area, or a turnkey cell from Bilbao for welding, palletising and machine tending.
- Can I see the robot running before paying?
- Yes. I send you a video of the load test with your program or an equivalent one, and you can come to Bilbao to see it. No robot leaves without a video.
- Will my people know how to use it?
- Basic operation and maintenance training is included at commissioning. For advanced programming, official KUKA/ABB/FANUC courses or with our technicians, in Spanish, Italian, French or English.
- Will there be spare parts in five years?
- For KRC4, IRC5 and R-30iA/iB, yes: they are the generations with the largest installed base in Europe. For KRC2 and S4C we hold our own stock. I tell you before you buy which controller has guaranteed spares.
- How do we start?
- A 20-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 price fixed.
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Is your case different?
Tell me the part, cycle and space. I reply within 24 working hours with available robots and an indicative price.