PROXYAgricultural Drone Rental for Self-Piloting
A DJI Agras T50 costs between 80,000 and 95,000 RON. An Agras T25 reaches 55,000-65,000 RON. On top of these amounts come batteries (4,000-6,000 RON each, minimum 6 needed for a working day), chargers, spare parts, and annual maintenance. The total investment for a complete setup exceeds 120,000 RON — a sum justified only at consistent volumes above 500 ha/season.
For licensed operators who need additional capacity during peak season, or who want to test a new model before purchasing, renting is the rational solution. ProxyDrone connects operators who have available equipment with operators who temporarily need additional capacity.
How It Works
- Rental request with specifications. The licensed operator places a request on ProxyDrone indicating: desired model (or minimum specifications), rental period, estimated work volume (hectares), pickup location.
- Matching with equipment owners. The platform identifies operators who have the requested drone available during the required period. Distance, hourly rate, and handover conditions are displayed.
- Equipment handover with checklist. At pickup, both parties go through a digital checklist via the app: physical condition of the drone, battery levels, pump and nozzle functionality, sensor calibration. Equipment condition is photographed.
- Autonomous operation. The operator works independently with the rented drone on their own contracts. They are responsible for safe operation under their own license.
- Return with verification. At the end, the checklist is repeated. Any damages are documented and settled through the platform per the insurance policy.
Available Equipment
| Model | Tank Capacity | Max Flow Rate | Coverage/Hour | Purchase Price (complete setup) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Agras T25 | 20 L (liquid) / 25 kg (granules) | 12 L/min | 8-12 ha | ~80,000 RON |
| DJI Agras T50 | 40 L (liquid) / 50 kg (granules) | 24 L/min | 15-21 ha | ~130,000 RON |
| DJI Agras T40 | 40 L (liquid) / 50 kg (granules) | 18 L/min | 12-18 ha | ~110,000 RON |
Comparison: Renting vs. Buying Agricultural Equipment
| Criterion | ProxyDrone Rental | Own Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | 0 RON | 80,000-150,000 RON |
| Cost per hour | ~250 RON/hour | Amortized over 3 years: ~60-90 RON/hour at 500 ha/year |
| Maintenance | Owner's responsibility | 5,000-15,000 RON/season |
| Extra batteries | Included in rental package | 24,000-36,000 RON (complete set of 6) |
| Depreciation risk | Zero | 30-40% in year one, new model annually |
| Model flexibility | Choose T25 or T50 based on the contract | Locked to the purchased model |
Economic Analysis: When to Rent, When to Buy
The break-even point for purchasing a DJI Agras T50 (complete setup ~130,000 RON) versus renting (~250 RON/hour) is reached at approximately 520 cumulative hours of use — equivalent to about 2 full seasons at high volume (800+ ha/season).
The complete calculation includes:
- Purchase: 130,000 RON
- Batteries (6 pcs): 30,000 RON
- Year 1 maintenance: 8,000 RON
- Year 2 maintenance: 12,000 RON
- Resale depreciation after 2 years: -50,000 RON loss
- Total ownership cost over 2 years: ~230,000 RON
At 250 RON/hour rental, 230,000 RON covers 920 hours of flight time — enough for approximately 2 seasons at 600+ ha/season.
2-Year Cost by Volume (RON)
Practical rule: Under 400 ha/season — renting is categorically more advantageous. Between 400-700 ha/season — depends on the number of planned seasons. Over 700 ha/season consistently — the purchase pays for itself in 2-3 years.
Use Cases
Peak season — insufficient capacity
The operator owns an Agras T25, but in June-July receives contracts exceeding the capacity of a single machine. They rent a second T25 or a T50 for 2-3 weeks, fulfill all contracts, then return the equipment. No permanent investment for a temporary need.
Own equipment breakdown
A mechanical failure in the middle of spraying season means lost contracts and dissatisfied clients. Emergency rental of a replacement through ProxyDrone allows continued operations while the operator's own drone is being serviced.
Testing a new model
DJI releases new models annually with significant improvements. Before investing 130,000 RON in a T50, the operator can rent the model for a season, evaluate real-world performance on their own fields and crops, and make an informed purchase decision.
Startup operator — first contracts
A newly licensed operator who lacks the capital for purchase can start their business through renting. They gain experience, build a client portfolio, and generate the revenue needed for a later investment.
Contracts in remote locations
An operator from Timis county with a contract in Suceava county. Instead of transporting equipment 700 km, they rent a drone from a local operator in Suceava. Saves time, fuel, and transportation risk.
Why ProxyDrone
ProxyDrone is the only platform in Romania that facilitates agricultural drone rental between licensed operators. The handover process is fully digitized through the app: checklist, condition photos, usage agreement. Payment is secured through escrow — the equipment owner receives payment only after return in good condition.
Insurance covers accidental damage during the rental period. Both parties are protected: the owner against equipment deterioration, and the renter against undisclosed pre-existing defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to rent an agricultural drone?
Yes. Agricultural drone rental is available exclusively to licensed operators. The platform verifies your license and certifications before granting access to equipment.
What is included in the rental package?
The drone, controller, batteries needed for a full work day, chargers, and a technical briefing. Some owners also include an RTK station. Details are visible on each listing in the platform.
Who is responsible in case of a malfunction during use?
Pre-existing defects are the owner's responsibility. Damage caused by improper operation is covered by the platform's insurance. The digital handover checklist protects both parties.
Can I rent for just a few days?
Yes. Minimum rental is one day. Most rentals are 1-3 weeks during peak season. The daily rate decreases proportionally with rental duration.