A used crop-spraying drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has been previously operated and resold at a lower price than new models. In modern agriculture, these drones have become popular due to their ability to automatically spray large areas efficiently, saving both labor and operational costs.
Their growing popularity stems from the rise of agricultural mechanization, as small-scale farmers seek to experience drone technology without the high initial investment.
In Vietnam, used drones mainly come from two sources:
Common sales channels include agricultural UAV dealerships, online marketplaces for used drones, and social media groups for agricultural machinery trading.
Leading brands on the Vietnamese market include:
All these brands have well-established service networks, making maintenance and repair more convenient for users.
For small farms, used drones can cut initial costs by 30–50% compared to new ones, typically priced between 50–120 million VND depending on condition and brand. This allows farmers to access UAV technology while maintaining economic efficiency.
When operated correctly, a used drone can still spray 15–25 hectares per day. Farmers offering spraying services can recover the full investment within 1–2 crop seasons.
Buying a used model is an ideal first step for beginners to learn drone operation, mapping, and smart spraying before upgrading to higher-capacity models.
The most common issue with used drones is worn or damaged components that lower flight stability and spraying accuracy.
Most used drones no longer have manufacturer warranties, and compatible parts may be scarce or discontinued, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.
Aged GPS, radar, or positioning sensors can cause data drift, resulting in uneven spray coverage - a major drawback for professional service providers.
The battery is the heart of the drone. Inspect the number of charge cycles, swelling, or leakage. Test the controller from a distance of 50–100 meters to ensure stable signal transmission.
Inspect propellers, motors, and nozzles for abnormal sounds or vibrations. Ensure the spraying stream is even and consistent.
Ask for maintenance logs, total flight hours, and replacement records to assess wear and remaining lifespan.
|
Criteria |
Used Crop-Spraying Drone |
New Crop-Spraying Drone |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Price |
50–120 million VND |
150–300 million VND |
|
Spraying Efficiency |
15–25 ha/day |
25–35 ha/day |
|
Battery Lifespan |
1–2 years |
3–4 years |
|
Flight Stability |
Moderate |
High |
|
Warranty |
Limited or none |
12–24 months |
New drones outperform by 25–30% thanks to stronger motors and newer batteries. However, well-maintained used drones can still meet small-scale farming needs.
Used drones incur higher repair costs, especially for pumps and radar systems. New drones save more over time with included warranties and standardized parts.
New drones last 3–5 years, while used ones average 1–2 years. With careful operation, however, used drones can complete up to three crop cycles reliably.
Used drones are suitable for beginners or small-scale spraying experiments.
Service providers need accuracy and endurance, making new drones a safer, more stable choice.
Drone rental services are now common in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands, costing only 150,000–250,000 VND/ha, helping farmers save without worrying about maintenance.
Authorized dealers often provide 0% installment programs or certified pre-owned drones with official inspection reports.
Prioritize dealerships that offer maintenance, spare parts, and UAV operation training.
Used crop-spraying drones are a good short-term solution but carry technical and maintenance risks.
Assess operational needs and budget before purchase. For small areas, a used drone is practical; for large-scale operations, new models offer greater long-term efficiency.
The used drone market in Vietnam is expected to grow, especially for refurbished DJI and XAG models with verified technical certification, aligning with the trend of smart agricultural UAVs.
In conclusion, if you have a limited budget, a used crop-spraying drone can be a reasonable starting point - provided it’s properly inspected and sourced. However, for sustained efficiency and reliability, investing in a new model or renting professional UAV services remains the smarter choice.
From certified UAV dealers with clear inspection and warranty records. Avoid unverified social media sellers.
Yes. DJI and XAG models allow battery replacement and firmware updates to improve performance and lifespan.
Models like DJI T20, T30, or XAG P40 (used) work best for rice fields, ensuring wide coverage and easy maintenance.
Check the battery, sensors, flight stability, and perform a real spraying test. Ask for maintenance logs to gauge wear.
Only if they have clear origin and technical certification. Avoid ultra-cheap imports that may lack software compatibility or local service support.
