Mobile farm machinery repairer

Farmers, smallholders, contractors, equestrian yards and estates that need repairs done on site, especially at busy times of year.

An hourly labour rate plus a call-out charge and a margin on parts, with regular customers booking seasonal services such as pre-harvest checks.

• Mechanical or agricultural engineering background
• Fault finding on hydraulics and electrics
• Reliable and quick to respond
• Safe working around heavy machinery

• Public liability insurance, plus tools and van cover that allows for trade use
• Check what qualifications or training customers and insurers expect, for example in welding, hydraulics or working safely with machinery
• Disposal of waste oil and used parts, check what registration or arrangements you need with your local council or the Environment Agency (or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Risk of injury and of being blamed for later faults, keep clear job records and written quotes
• Work is seasonal and urgent, so plan for busy spells and quieter months

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on the van, tools and diagnostic equipment you buy and your insurance. A fully equipped van lets you work on site at farms and yards.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how much work you win and how far you travel. Work is seasonal and urgent, so plan for busy spells and quieter months.

Check public liability insurance and tools and van cover that allows trade use. Also check what qualifications customers and insurers expect, how to dispose of waste oil and used parts, and keep clear job records and written quotes.