Mobile small engine repair
Fix and service mowers, generators and chainsaws at customers' homes, farms and worksites.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A ute or van fitted with tools and common spares so you can service and repair petrol equipment on site, especially for people with large or hard-to-move machines like ride-on mowers and generators.
Your first three steps
- Fit out a ute or van with tools, a portable workbench and the most commonly used parts
- Set a call-out fee and service price list after checking what local shops and mobile mechanics charge
- Contact landscapers, farms and rural property owners in your area and offer a first service at an introductory price
Who pays
Lifestyle block and hobby farm owners, ride-on mower owners, landscapers, caravan and camping owners, and small businesses with equipment they cannot afford to have out of action.
How it makes money
Call-out fee plus labour and parts, with repeat annual service work from regular customers and business accounts.
Skills that help
- Small engine diagnosis and repair
- Driving and route planning
- Working neatly in other people's spaces
- Quoting and invoicing
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance and vehicle cover for business use
- Carrying fuel and oils safely in a vehicle, check state rules
- Time lost travelling, price call-outs to cover it
- Some repairs need a workshop, have a plan for taking machines away
- Check your state's rules on disposing of waste oil and old batteries
🔒 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 soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile small engine repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the ute or van, the tools you carry and your spare parts stock. Treat this as an estimate and cost out your own vehicle and fit-out.
How much can a mobile small engine repair business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many call-outs you complete and your pricing. Travel time is lost time, so price call-outs to cover it.
What rules should I check before starting mobile engine repairs?
Check your state's rules on carrying fuel and oils in a vehicle and on disposing of waste oil and old batteries. Also check public liability insurance and vehicle cover for business use, and plan for repairs that need a workshop.
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