Machinery servicing workshop

Rent a small unit where you service, rebuild and repair machine parts, plus offer on-site visits.

Startup costA$15k to A$70k
Monthly revenueA$6k to A$30k
Time needed35+ h/week
First incomeMonths

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small industrial unit with benches, a lathe or press and lifting gear, where you service machines and components brought in, and also go out to customers for larger jobs.

Your first three steps

  1. Price up small industrial units in your area and list the equipment you need to buy or second-hand source
  2. Check zoning and council requirements for your chosen unit and get insurance quotes for premises, stock and liability
  3. Contact ten local businesses with machinery, offer a quote on their next service and set up a simple job-tracking system
Who pays

Local manufacturers, fabricators, farms, mining and construction suppliers, and other workshops that need quick turnaround.

How it makes money

Workshop labour charged by the hour, parts markup, and ongoing service agreements with regular business customers.

Skills that help
  • Fitting and machining experience
  • Quoting jobs and managing parts suppliers
  • Workshop safety and organisation
Watch out for
  • Council zoning and approval for running a workshop at your premises
  • Public liability, property and tools insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
  • Workplace health and safety duties for guarding, noise, dust and lifting, check your state's regulator
  • Lease commitments and slow months while you build regular customers
  • Licences needed for electrical or pressure equipment work, check your state's licensing body

🔒 Full research report for Australia

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a machinery servicing workshop?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the unit, the machines and lifting gear you buy, and your insurance. Lease commitments and slow months while you build customers are worth planning for.

What approvals should I check before opening a machinery workshop?

Check council zoning and approval for running a workshop at your premises, and licences for electrical or pressure equipment work with your state licensing body. Also check insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and workplace health and safety duties for guarding, noise, dust and lifting.

How much can a machinery servicing workshop earn?

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your customer base and job mix. Estimates suggest at least around 35 hours a week, including quoting jobs and managing parts suppliers.

Other ways to run this business

Similar trades ideas

Find more ideas →