A cost effective installation of robotics

Explore the possibility of Retrofitting

Retrofitting robotics lets you make the most of your existing infrastructure, keeping your current laneways and paddock layouts while driving down overheads.

Our Farm Management and Tech Support teams are on the ground to make sure the transition to robotic milking is seamless and successful for your herd and your business.

Get in touch to explore a budget-friendly approach to robotic dairy farming.

What are the benefits of retrofitting milking robots?

Cost Savings
Building a new shed involves substantial expenses whereas retrofitting primarily focuses on upgrading existing infrastructure.
Preserve Infastructure
Retrofitting allows you to retain and maximize the use of your current barn or milking shed. You can leverage existing structures, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Adapting to needs
Retrofitting offers flexibility to adapt to changing farm needs and advancements in technology. You can gradually integrate robots as your budget and requirements evolve.
Easy adoption for cows
Cows adapt quickly to robotics if they are retrofitted, as they are already accustomed to being milked in the shed.

Kihikihi, New Zealand

Ian & Carmen Comins - 2 Robot Retrofit

Ian Comin has been milking cows since he was 15, but it took two Lely Astronaut robots to make him genuinely enjoy it again.

Running 95 to 100 cows across 29 hectares of rolling country in Kihikihi, Ian and Carmen had stepped away from dairying for a time before returning to the farm and converting an old shed into a working dairy. After six years behind the cups, Ian, who is always drawn to machinery and innovation, made the call to go robotic.

Today, the herd flows smoothly on an A-B-C grazing rotation, milking an average of 2.7 to 3 times a day at peak.

Check out their full story

Before and After

What other farmers say

Other stories

Mark and Sarah Hexters - Morrinsville, New Zealand

Previously operating a 26-aside herringbone dairy, the couple transitioned to robotic milking in response to ongoing labour challenges and a desire for a system capable of operating continuously, 24 hours a day, year-round.

Robert and Ally Arnold - Lilydale, Tasmania

To manage costs and improve their work-life balance, Robert and Ally decided to retrofit three Lely Astronaut A5 milking robots into the existing infastructure.

“The biggest advantage was the saving of using the current infrastructure. It allowed us to step into robotic milking without the expense of building a modern dairy from the ground up."

Read the full story!

Heath Williams - Springhill, South Australia

By utilising the existing infrastructure, Heath achieved an impressive cost saving of approximately $300,000.

Don't consider putting in a new conventional dairy if you haven't at least investigated robots.

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Mat Lyne - Glenfyne, Southwest Victoria

By leasing robots and implementing a cost-effective retrofit design, Mat Lyne built a successful dairy operation from the ground up. Discover how Mat build a system tailored to his needs, with minimal capital.

Without looking into it, you just assume it's too expensive.

Watch Mat's story

Andrew Rushton - Fairy Dell, Northern Victoria

When the family’s 25-year-old dairy approached the point where major upgrades were needed, the transition to robotics became natural for Andrew. Rather than reinvesting in another traditional dairy, the Rushtons began exploring automatic milking systems.

If you are looking to upgrade your dairy, you should seriously consider this. The investment is comparable to a new traditional dairy, but the flexibility it offers is life-changing.

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Disclaimer: Results have not been verified by Lely or an independent party. Your results may vary.