Mobile tractor and farm machinery repair

Drive to farms to service and repair tractors and equipment in the field or yard.

Startup costC$15k to C$60k
Monthly revenueC$3k to C$12k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • C$15k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

A service truck or van carrying tools and common parts, used to diagnose and fix tractors, balers, sprayers and other farm machinery on the farm, often during busy seasons when downtime is costly.

Your first three steps

  1. Check your province's trade rules for agricultural equipment technicians and what training or certification you have or need
  2. Price out a used service truck or van, a core tool set and a diagnostic laptop, and set your hourly and call-out rates against local shops
  3. Visit local farms, equipment dealers and farm supply stores to introduce yourself and offer pre-season servicing
Who pays

Farmers, hobby farms, market gardeners, landscapers and local contractors who need quick repairs without hauling machinery to a shop.

How it makes money

Hourly labour rate plus a call-out or travel charge, with a markup on parts. Seasonal servicing (spring seeding and fall harvest prep) brings repeat work.

Skills that help
  • Mechanical diagnosis and repair
  • Basic hydraulics and electrical knowledge
  • Reading service manuals
  • Reliable and quick to respond
Watch out for
  • Provincial trade certification rules (for example, agricultural equipment technician is a regulated trade in some provinces), check your provincial apprenticeship authority
  • Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your vehicle and tools used for business
  • Environmental rules for handling used oil, fluids and batteries, check with your province or municipality
  • Heavy, risky work around hydraulics and large machinery, follow safe lockout and lifting practices
  • Very seasonal demand, plan for a quieter winter
  • WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help (rules vary by province)

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: mobile tractor and farm machinery repair

Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile tractor repair business?

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000 CAD, depending on the service vehicle, the tools and common parts you carry, and the insurance you arrange. Used equipment can help keep the figure toward the lower end.

Do I need trade certification to repair tractors in Canada?

Check your provincial apprenticeship authority, as agricultural equipment technician is a regulated trade in some provinces. Also check commercial liability and vehicle cover, environmental rules for used oil, fluids and batteries, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help.

How much can a mobile farm machinery repairer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000 CAD, depending on your area, how many farms you serve and your rates. Demand is very seasonal, so plan for a quieter winter.

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