Mobile machinery repairer for farms and workshops

Farmers, small manufacturers, workshops and contractors who lose money when a machine is down and can't easily move it.

Call-out fee plus an hourly labour rate, with parts supplied at a margin. Service contracts and repeat customers add steady work.

• Mechanical or fabrication trade background
• Fault finding and diagnosis
• Welding or hydraulics knowledge
• Reliable and quick to respond

• Public liability and tools or equipment insurance
• Whether the work you plan to do (electrical, gas, pressure equipment, lifting gear) needs a state licence or certification, check with your state's licensing body
• Workplace safety on other people's sites, including lockout procedures and working near heavy machinery
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire help
• Cash flow: parts costs and slow-paying customers

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your vehicle, tools and equipment. These are estimates, so get quotes for what your type of repair work needs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how much work you win and your hours, which start from about 20 a week. Parts costs and slow-paying customers can affect cash flow.

Check whether the work you plan to do, such as electrical, gas, pressure equipment or lifting gear, needs a state licence or certification from your state's licensing body. Also check insurance, workplace safety on other people's sites, and workers compensation if you hire help.