Mobile machine repair service

Farms, machine shops, small factories, landscaping and construction firms, and other businesses that lose money when equipment is down.

An hourly labour rate plus a call-out or travel fee, and a markup on parts. Service contracts for regular upkeep give steadier work.

• Mechanical and fault-finding skills
• Reading manuals and diagrams
• Dealing with customers under time pressure

• Trade certification: some machinery trades (such as millwright or agricultural equipment technician) are regulated in some provinces, so check with your provincial apprenticeship authority
• Electrical or welding work may need separate licences or certificates, so check what applies
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus tool and vehicle cover
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help, with rules that vary by province
• Seasonal peaks around spring seeding and fall harvest, with slower winters in some areas
• Proper disposal of used oil and fluids under provincial rules

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the vehicle, tools and insurance cover you need. Your own figure will vary, so list what you need before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on hours worked, local demand and the jobs you take. Work can be seasonal, with peaks around spring seeding and fall harvest and slower winters in some areas.

Check with your provincial apprenticeship authority, since some machinery trades, such as millwright or agricultural equipment technician, are regulated in some provinces. Also check whether electrical or welding work needs separate licences, and look into liability insurance and used oil disposal rules.