Mobile hydraulic hose repair van

Plant hire firms, small construction companies, farmers, groundworkers, haulage and skip lorry operators, and tree surgeons.

A call-out charge plus labour, with parts (hoses and fittings) sold at a margin. Regular fleet and farm customers bring repeat work.

• Mechanical aptitude and understanding hydraulic systems
• Safe, careful working with pressurised equipment
• Reliable, quick response for customers who are losing money while the machine is down

• Public liability and product liability insurance, as a bad hose could cause damage or injury
• High-pressure fluid can cause serious injection injuries, so check safe working practice and PPE
• Used oil and old hoses count as waste, so check waste carrier registration and disposal rules with the Environment Agency or your local equivalent
• Tools and stock in a van are a theft risk, so check your insurance covers them
• Keep records of what you fitted and tested in case of a dispute

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the van, crimping machine, hose and fittings stock, and whether you buy new or used. These are estimates, so compare quotes before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on how many customers you serve, how quickly you respond and the jobs you take on. Treat this as an estimate rather than a guaranteed income.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, safe working practice and PPE for high-pressure fluid, and waste rules for used oil and old hoses. Also check that your insurance covers tools and stock in the van.