Buying a used welding robot

The 12 points

1. Model. Read the nameplate. The model page, from the ARC Mate 100iB through the 120iD and the M-710iC/20L, is where payload and reach are listed. If the plate does not match the listing, call before you buy.
2. Controller. The cabinet generation is part of the robot. R-J3iB, R-30iA, R-30iB, and R-30iB Plus are not interchangeable just because the arm looks similar. The model page names the family. Rice Automation confirms the cabinet on the robot in the shop.
3. Teach pendant. Look at the pendant that is with the robot. The R-J3iB uses the pendant of that generation. The R-30iA and R-30iB use the iPendant. The R-30iB Plus uses the iPendant Touch. A robot without the pendant it was sold with is a different quote.
4. Controller software. Ask which software is on that cabinet. Rice Automation does not guess a version from the model name. The shop will tell you what is loaded on the controller you are buying.
5. Year. Year is listed when we have it. It is one clue to the generation, not a substitute for the nameplate and the cabinet.
6. Hours. Hours are listed when Rice Automation has them. Ask if the listing is blank. Hours are one of the things that change the price.
7. Batteries. On a refurbished robot, the batteries are replaced before it is offered. Ask whether the robot you are looking at is refurbished or as-is. As-is robots are labeled as-is.
8. Grease. A refurbished robot has the joints greased as part of the service. That work is done at Rice Automation before the robot is listed as refurbished. The steps are on the refurbishment page.
9. Mastering. A refurbished robot is re-mastered as needed, then run under power. Ask to see that run, in person or on a call, before the robot leaves Harviell.
10. Cables. Ask which cables are with the robot: the pendant cable, the weld-package leads, and anything the listing photos show. If a cable is missing, it should be named before you accept a quote.
11. Welder, feeder, and torch. Look at the welder, wire feeder, and torch when that package is on the robot. Lincoln, Miller, and Fronius are the power sources paired with these Fanuc robots. A ServoTorch is one of the torch options. The listing names what is included.
12. Condition and a test run. Condition is refurbished, new, as-is, or parts. Refurbished means the arm was serviced at Rice Automation and run under power. You can schedule a visit at 166 Hwy V, Harviell, MO 63945, Monday through Friday, and watch it move.

Used vs new

Shops buy a refurbished Fanuc welding robot because the arm still has work left in it and the price is a fraction of new. Every used robot Rice Automation sells is tested. A new robot is available too. The short version is on why a refurbished welding robot. Call (877) 855-7020 for the current price on either one.

Posted prices, when a unit is in the shop, are on the inventory and in the price guide. The service steps behind the word refurbished are on the refurbishment page. If you want the controller differences before you choose an arm, read the controller guide. Two arms people compare first are the ARC Mate 100iC and the ARC Mate 120iC.

Buying FAQ