Are High Hour Robots Bad?

Are high hour robots bad? This is a question that commonly comes up when considering purchasing a used robot. The answer is no, they are not bad, in fact, there are advantages to high hour robots. There are many used industrial robots with a high number of operation hours that make potential buyers hesitate to buy the robot. It is natural to think the lower the operation hours the better. However, this is not the case when it comes to industrial robots. Just because a robot has been in operation for a long period of time does not make it any less reliable or effective than a new or low hour robot. Industrial robots are one of the few investments that will pay for themselves in the long run. Their ability to increase productivity and reduce costs is part of the reason they make a good investment, but another contributing factor is their longevity. Robots have extremely long lifespans with the ability to remain in operation for several decades. The FANUC R-2000ia has not been manufactured for years, but it is still one of the most common industrial robots in manufacturing. Robots can operate well over 100,000 hours, so buyers should not pass up on a robot just because it has a high number of operation hours. When robots are properly maintained and a routine preventative maintenance schedule has been followed, they are able to operate at optimal levels regardless of the number of hours they have. High hour robots can be as dependable and productive as low hour or new robots. When an industrial robot has a high number of operation hours it proves that the robot is incredibly reliable. High operation hours show that an industrial robot’s operation is dependable and that it is able to run for long periods of time. It also proves that is not prone to malfunctions or breakdowns since it has been able to rack up several hours of use. Buying a new robot or low hour six axis robot does not guarantee that it will be reliable. A used FANUC Arcmate 120ic can be just as dependable if not more than a new Arcmate 120id. Many times, new technology can cause more headaches than it is helpful as there are more components that can malfunction. Since high hour robots tend to be older, chances are robot techs will be familiar with them for easy and quicker troubleshooting should an issue arise. Replacement parts and repairs will be cheaper since used parts can be used. High hour robots can also be easier to program since many factory robot techs are familiar with older robot models. Higher hour robots may also be more affordable than low hour robots, making them a good option for those with tight budgets. Buying a used FANUC R-2000ib with high hours will still be an excellent robotic automation solution, but at a cost-effective price that allows buyers to capture their ROI sooner. It is important when considering buying a high hour robot to purchase from a reputable company such as Robots Done Right to ensure you are buying a fully operational robot.