30 cows, one big decision: why a pre-owned Lely Astronaut made the difference

What they were looking for

Like many dairy farmers, David had a clear picture of what he needed from automation, but a strict sense of what was realistic.
"Our goal was to make the work easier, improve management, and also increase animal health and milk production" he explains. For a farm of just under 30 cows, however, investing in a brand-new robot simply would not have added up. A Certified Pre-Owned machine gave David and Anna the technology they needed, at a price point that worked for their operation.

What gave David the confidence to buy used?

Buying a second-hand machine is not a decision most farmers take lightly. For David, the answer came down to what happens before the robot ever leaves the Lely Center. Every Certified Pre-Owned Astronaut undergoes a standardised, in-depth testing process. Technical experts inspect the machine and restore it to near-new condition. Around 230 parts are replaced as standard — not just the obvious components, but everything critical to long-term reliability. The robot then completes a 24-hour test run before delivery. Only when every parameter passes does it leave the premises. For David, that process meant one thing above all: confidence that the machine would perform from day one.

 Support that makes the difference