How to choose a robotic pipe crawler
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide whether you need a robotic pipe crawler: the pipe diameter, the distance you must inspect from one access point, and the conditions inside the line, such as bends, flow, debris and water depth. Answer those first. A crawler is a bigger investment than a push-rod camera, so it should be chosen for a job that a push-rod camera cannot do well.
When a crawler makes sense
A push-rod camera is the usual choice for drains and sewers of household and municipal size. A crawler suits larger pipes, long runs, lines with many bends or obstacles, and surveys where you must control the camera's position and keep a recorded inspection. If you cannot reach the far end with a push-rod camera, or the pipe is larger than a push-rod camera is designed for, a crawler is the better tool.
Our crawlers
| Application | Suggested starting point |
|---|---|
| Entry robotic crawler | TC-R100 robotic pipeline inspection camera |
| Robotic crawler with 5 MP camera, 200 to 2000 mm pipes | TC-R200 robotic pipeline inspection crawler |
| Larger robotic crawler | TC-R300 robotic pipeline inspection camera |
| Long-reach robotic crawler, 120 m | TC-K22A 120 m crawler |
| Pipeline inspection robot | K18 pipeline inspection robot |
| Municipal crawler system | GT108 municipal crawler system |
| Compact crawler system | TMI-CR-104ZY compact crawler system |
What to check before you buy
- Pipe diameter range: check the minimum and maximum diameter on the datasheet of each crawler. Our TC-R200 is listed for 200 to 2000 mm pipes.
- Reach and cable: the cable length limits how far the crawler can go. The TC-K22A is listed with 120 m of reach. Allow for bends and the distance the crawler must travel back.
- Camera and recording: the TC-R200 has a 5 MP camera. Ask what resolution, lighting and recording the crawler you choose offers, and how the recordings are reported.
- Control and power: check the controller, the reel and the power supply, and whether the system is portable enough for your vehicle and site.
- Launch point and access: the crawler must be launched through an access point that suits its size, and the line may need cleaning or flow control first.
Safety
Entry into a manhole, chamber or confined space must follow your site's confined-space procedure. Check gas and water conditions before the crawler is launched, and keep people clear of the line while it is moving.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: robotic crawlers from about R219,800 (TC-R100) and about R278,500 for the TC-R200; the TC-R300 from about R366,500; the K18 robot from about R256,000; larger municipal and compact crawler systems from about R470,600 to about R520,600. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the cable, reel, controller, software and training each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us the pipe diameters and materials, the longest run from one access point, the bends and obstacles, the water or flow conditions, whether you need recorded video and a report, the vehicle or site the crawler will use, and the standard or procedure you work to. With that we can recommend a crawler and provide pricing.