How to Buy a Used FARO Laser Tracker: A 5-Step Checklist for Admin Buyers (2025 Guide)

This is for the person who gets handed a requisition and has to make it work

When I first started managing equipment purchasing in 2020, a senior engineer dropped a requisition on my desk: "FARO Laser Tracker, used, budget $45k." I nodded like I knew what that meant. I didn't.

I assumed a used laser tracker was like buying a used car—mileage, year, condition. Simple. Two failed inspections and a $7,500 calibration bill later, I realized I was wrong. (Ugh.)

Here's a 5-step checklist I built after that experience. It saved my department about 40 hours of back-and-forth last year. It might save you a lot more.

Step 1: Verify the model and its intended application

Not all FARO trackers are the same. The FARO Vantage, FARO ION, and FARO Quantum each have different measurement ranges and accuracy specs. A unit designed for large-scale aerospace assembly might be overkill for a small automotive shop—and vice versa.

What to check:

• Model number and generation (e.g., FARO Vantage S vs. FARO Vantage E6)
• Measurement range (typically 60m to 80m for standard models)
• Single-point accuracy specification (e.g., 16 µm + 0.8 µm/m)
• Whether the seller is a certified FARO reseller or an individual

In 2024, I evaluated a used FARO Vantage S listed for $38k. It sounded like a deal, until I checked the specs—it was a 2018 unit with a max range of 60m. Our application needed 70m. That mismatch would have cost us 20+ hours of rework. (I really should have caught that earlier.)

Step 2: Demand the calibration certificate—and read it

This was my biggest mistake. I bought a used FARO Vantage without looking at the calibration certificate. I thought, "It's a premium brand, it's fine." It wasn't. The certificate showed the unit had drifted out of spec in two axes.

What to look for:

• Date of last calibration (should be within 12 months, ideally 6)
• Actual measured values vs. as-manufactured specifications
• Any notes about repairs or adjustments made during calibration
• Whether the calibration was performed by FARO or an accredited lab

A client once told me: "The certification says 'pass,' but it barely passed on one axis. We ended up with measurement errors on every part for three months." Know what the numbers actually mean. (Mental note: always ask for the full report, not just the summary page.)

Step 3: Inspect the hardware and accessories

A used FARO laser tracker is more than just the main unit. The accessories can make or break the deal. I once bought a unit that looked pristine, only to discover the SMR (spherically mounted retroreflector) had a deep scratch—costing $850 to replace.

Key items to check:

• SMRs: Inspect for scratches, chips, or adhesion loss. Test each one.
• Probe: Ensure the probe tip is not worn or bent.
• Cables: Check for fraying, kinks, or damaged connectors.
• Power supply: Ensure it's the correct voltage for your region (110V vs. 220V).
• Transport case: Look for signs of impact damage that could have affected the internals.

Interestingly, this is where I'd also mention the FARO 179 multimeter and 568 IR thermometer. While these aren't laser tracker accessories, if you're managing a metrology lab, you'll want compatible instruments for environmental monitoring. The FARO 179 multimeter is used for verifying electrical parameters on the tracker's power source. The FARO 568 IR thermometer checks surface temperatures that can affect measurements. A complete kit includes these.

Price reference: A replacement FARO 179 multimeter runs about $129 (based on vendor quotes, January 2025; verify current pricing). The 568 IR thermometer is around $145. Not huge costs, but if the seller includes them in the bundle, it's a small negotiating point.

Step 4: Ask about usage history and the "megger test"

Here's something most first-time buyers miss: the insulation tester check. You've probably heard the question, "How does a megger insulation tester work?" Well, for a FARO laser tracker, the megger test checks the motor windings in the head for insulation breakdown. This is a key indicator of overall wear and tear.

What to ask the seller:

• Has the tracker ever been dropped or subjected to shock?
• What was the operating environment (clean room vs. factory floor)?
• How many hours of operation (if available)?
• Have the internal rotating components ever been replaced?
• Has a megger test been performed recently? If so, what were the readings?

In my experience, a unit from a controlled environment with under 10,000 operating hours is a solid buy. Anything over 20,000 hours and expect repairs in 12-18 months. (Source: industry data from 3 resellers, 2024—this is a general guideline, not a guarantee.)

Step 5: Negotiate warranty and support terms

The price of a used FARO laser tracker is only part of the total cost. The full cost includes potential repairs, calibration fees, and downtime.

What to negotiate:

• A 30- to 90-day warranty (standard for reputable resellers)
• Inclusion of a calibration certificate valid for at least 6 months
• Access to FARO's technical support (some resellers offer extended support)
• A shipping insurance clause (you don't want to be liable if it's damaged in transit)

One more thing: Ask about the FARO CAM2 software version. Older trackers may not support the latest software. Upgrading can cost $2,000–$5,000. That's a real hidden cost.

One final piece of advice (from someone who learned the hard way)

Don't rush. I once skipped the full checklist because the seller had a "special offer—expiring Friday." The unit ended up needing $12,000 in repairs. The "deal" wasn't a deal.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) includes base price, calibration, potential repairs, shipping insurance, and software compatibility. The lowest quoted price often isn't the lowest total cost. It's like the megger test—it's a simple check that reveals a lot about the health of the system. And once you understand how a megger insulation tester works, you realize that a few minutes of upfront inspection can save weeks of problems later.