Tractor repair workshop

Farmers, ranchers, custom operators and contractors who need larger repairs, annual servicing or machinery restored.

Shop labour rates plus parts markup, with fixed-price service packages and off-season overhaul work that helps fill winter months.

• Advanced mechanical and hydraulic repair
• Welding and fabrication
• Quoting jobs and managing parts orders
• Running a small business

• Zoning and business licence requirements for a shop, check with your municipality
• Provincial trade certification rules for technicians, check your provincial apprenticeship authority
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus garage or care, custody and control cover for customers' machinery
• Rules on disposing of oil, coolant and scrap, check with your province
• Heating and rent costs through winter
• WCB/WSIB registration once you hire staff (rules vary by province)

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000 CAD, depending on the building and rent, the hoist and specialist tools you buy, and your insurance. Heating and rent through winter are ongoing costs to budget for.

Check zoning and business licence requirements with your municipality, and provincial trade certification rules with your apprenticeship authority. Also check insurance including care, custody and control cover, rules on disposing of oil, coolant and scrap, and WCB/WSIB if you hire.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000 CAD, depending on the jobs you take on, your rates and how busy the farming season is. The estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week.