Our intake and shipping pace has clearly picked up over the past two years — and we are not the only ones feeling it. New-machine pricing is increasingly transparent, used equipment keeps gaining value, and "used robot + local technical service" is becoming the mainstream way for small and mid-sized factories to automate. For handling, welding and bending — tasks with moderate precision demands — a well-kept used six-axis machine does the job at 30–40% of the price of new.
Three forces behind the growth
First, price transmission from new machines. As OEM prices slide and leading vendors push volume, upgraded production lines retire better-condition, younger equipment — the average quality of second-hand supply keeps rising. Second, tighter budgets. Manufacturers are cutting capital spend; the same budget buys one or two more stations with used machines. Third, a maturing service ecosystem. Inspection, refurbishment and warranty — gaps of the past — are now covered by local providers. Buying used is no longer a gamble.
Risks in a "big market, small scattered sellers" landscape
| Common situation | Potential risk | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|
| Individual resellers, no inspection | Hidden faults, flood-damaged or crash units | Power-up test on site; check axis noise and backlash |
| Vague quotes, no itemization | Extra charges for batteries and cables after delivery | Put configuration and warranty scope in the contract |
| No after-sales once sold | Stuck in commissioning with no one to call | Choose providers with local repair capability and written warranty |
Typical risk notes for used trades; verify on site before purchase.
Which providers deserve your trust
The bar is plain: do they have their own inspection process (a seven-step check is a representative industry practice)? Will they put the warranty in writing? Can they be on site within hours when something breaks? In a growing market, providers with real technical depth and warranty commitments keep gaining ground; pure resellers' room is shrinking. Browse stock: used sales; sell idle equipment: used buy-back.
