Hydraulic cylinder and pump repair workshop

Construction and earthmoving firms, farmers, truck and trailer fleets, mining service contractors and other workshops that outsource hydraulic work.

Fixed or quoted price per repair, plus parts and seals. Ongoing agreements with fleets and other workshops can keep the bench busy.

• Hydraulic and mechanical repair experience
• Machining or fabrication basics
• Quoting and job tracking

• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for customers' equipment while in your care
• Workshop zoning and council approval for industrial use, check with your local council
• Safe handling of high-pressure oil, heavy parts and hazardous waste, and check your state's workplace health and safety rules
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire a helper or apprentice, through your state scheme

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the unit you rent, the equipment you buy and the stock you carry. Where you land in that range depends on how much you can do in-house.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your customer base, the mix of cylinder, pump and hose work, and how consistently you win fleet and contractor jobs. The estimate assumes about 35 or more hours a week.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for customers' equipment in your care. Also check council approval for industrial use, your state's workplace health and safety rules for high-pressure oil and hazardous waste, and workers compensation once you hire help.