Anyone have recommendations / thoughts on these crawlbots? I’m thinking about buying one.
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Big $$$ in my book. I would “like” to have one, but need is another story. I wish I could justify charging extra for it’s use, similar to a sewer scope. But I I’m not sure if the public would understand.
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I’ve done most of my inspecting in Oregon where roughly 75% of the houses have crawl spaces and I’ve spent my fair share of time in them. First off, I don’t care what kind of wheels, floats, grips, etc. those things have… they just aren’t going to make it through a lot of the crawls. Worse yet, they get stuck and I have to go in after the thing. Concrete pads, heat ducts, pipes, insulation, crumpled vapor barrier, construction debris… a remoted controlled whatever isn’t going to consistently make it. And, even if it does, can it probe/sound wood? Check posts for bearing? Test pipes and other mechanicals for being secure? Trust me, I wish crawl spaces inspections could be dumbed down to the point where I could just sit outside with a remote control vehicle but it’s just not happening. I get that these things may serve some purpose but they are far from a replacement for getting in a crawl space and inspecting up close.
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I never used one. I just put on my jump suit, etc. and went in and did the crawlspace.
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I have managed to do over 10k inspections over almost 30 years and have done so without a crawlbot. Granted, sometimes it would have been nice to have one but I have managed without one. I have moved into the aerial drone world simply because I do not have the balance I did a few years ago.
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Simple answer, if you fit you go in, if you don’t fit, the crawler goes in.
They are not a replacement from going in a crawlspace yourself, other sellers will lie to you about that but I will not. Never have, never will.
I have posted video proof over and over again of how capable mine is. I have used it in all conditions in CA, FL and GA. Others will only talk about theirs.
Biggest use I have for mine is getting to a section of a crawl I could not access so we can offer a complete inspection as possible. We do come across the ones that no one can access, the picture is one such instance.
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We get about 30% of our homes with crawl spaces. I’ve been tinkering around building one but I sure can’t justify what they are asking for a “commercial” built one.
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Be prepared to be told the million reasons not to do it by the “crawl-bot” guys. I say go for it and open source it for all of us! 
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Yeah no kidding. It’s almost as bad as telling this group what software you use. 
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Sure am glad I am not a “crawl bot guy”. Terrible thing to be known as. If others can build them, then go for it. Always look forward to seeing what others come up with. Who cares what others say, when has that ever mattered?
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I ended up building my own, my current investment is $1800 but that includes $600 goggles. It works great when i cant. I agree with Scot.
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Vincent, I remember this very good thread you started. Sorry @sbaker2 was not pointing at you.
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It’s all good, never offended nor felt pointed at.
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What platform did you start with? I’ve been looking into doing my own, but not sure where to start.
We make the best crawlspace and roof inspection robots hands down. Best price too with a Internachi discount available now!
Call me:Mike 925-444-5580
Email tobortechx@gmail.com
Brian, we make the best crawlspace and roof inspection robots. Best prices too! Right now offering an Internachi discount.
Mike 925-444-5580
tobortechx.com
Give me a call😎
Hey there, Benjamin with SuperDroid Robots here! We make the GPK line of inspection bots.
There’s plenty of reasons to invest in a crawler. The most common reason is to access crawlspaces with entries too small to easily enter/exit yourself, so that you can capture as much information as possible without having to write off the space.
Crawlers can let you see what’s happening in the crawlspace while you’re in the home, helping identify leaking pipes when testing tubs or sinks.
Honestly though, the main reason I think a crawler makes sense is for safety. The GPK and other bots aren’t meant to replace you in the crawlspace. They’re made to help you get a set of eyes inside and let you determine if you should enter yourself. Inspectors have shared stories about spotting snakes and possums with their GPK that they would have otherwise come face to face with. Not to mention a crawler can help you identify hazards you’d want to steer clear of if you go in yourself.
Building your own can work if you’ve got the know-how and can help as a starting point for crawlers. Buying a crawler is an investment for sure, but it’s the same as investing in any quality tool. Your return comes from how often it get’s used and how long it lasts. We’ve got robots in the field that have been inspecting for over 4 years and are still running fine.
Anyways, I’m always happy to chat more about this if you or anyone else have any questions!
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Michael,
What’s the discount? Mention it here.
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Interesting claim, care to elaborate? I tried to research it myself but all I can find is a two year old video.
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