Mobile generator servicing and repair
Service, repair and fit portable and standby generators at customers' homes, sites and farms from a van.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that services and repairs portable and standby generators on site. You can also supply the odd unit or spare parts on request, without running a shop.
Your first three steps
- Check your training and qualifications, and book manufacturer or engine servicing courses for the brands you want to work on
- Price up a van, tools, a test load and a starter stock of filters, plugs and oil, then set call-out and hourly rates by checking local competitors
- Contact local farms, contractors, hire firms and installers offering annual service plans, and list yourself on local search and trade directories
Who pays
Homeowners with backup generators, farms, building and event contractors, small businesses and hire companies.
How it makes money
Call-out and hourly labour charges, fixed-price annual service plans, parts at a margin, and occasional generator sales.
Skills that help
- Small engine and generator mechanics
- Fault finding with basic electrical testing
- Reliable customer service and diary management
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, plus tools and van cover; check if you need employer's liability once you hire anyone
- Fixed standby generator wiring and changeover switches should be done by a competent, qualified electrician; check what you can legally do yourself or whether to partner with one
- Connecting generators to the grid may need notification to the network operator; check the current rules before offering this
- Used oil and fuel disposal: check waste carrier registration and how to dispose of waste properly
- Safe handling and storage of fuel in your van, and carbon monoxide risks when testing
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobile generator servicing and repair
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: 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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile generator servicing business?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the van, tools, testing equipment and insurance you need. Whether you buy new or used equipment will affect the figure.
How much can a mobile generator engineer earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many jobs you take on and what you charge. The estimates start from around 15 hours a week, so earnings will depend on your availability.
What rules should I check before servicing and fitting generators?
Check whether fixed standby wiring and changeover switches must be done by a qualified electrician, and the current rules on notifying the network operator for grid connection. Check waste carrier registration for used oil and fuel, and insurance cover.
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