Mobile lorry mechanic
Fix and service lorries at the yard or roadside from a fully equipped van.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A mobile HGV mechanic who travels to haulage yards, depots and breakdowns to do servicing, brake and air system work, and minor repairs, so the lorry loses less time off the road.
Your first three steps
- Price up a suitable van, HGV tools and a diagnostic kit, and decide your hourly and call-out rates
- Get insurance quotes for tools, public liability and your van, and ask about work on customers' premises
- Visit local haulage yards and owner-drivers to offer a first inspection or service at an introductory rate
Who pays
Small haulage firms, owner-drivers, local fleets and recovery companies that want repairs done on site.
How it makes money
Hourly labour rate plus a margin on parts, with call-out charges for breakdowns and regular servicing contracts with local fleets.
Skills that help
- Heavy vehicle mechanical experience
- Fault finding and diagnostics
- Reliable and quick to respond
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance and cover for your tools and van
- Check how to dispose of waste oil and old parts legally, including any waste carrier registration
- Roadside and yard work is risky, so check safe working practice for lifting, jacking and working under heavy vehicles
- Check whether customers expect formal HGV qualifications or experience before they will book you
- Anything involving tachographs or testing may need separate approval, so check before offering it
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobile lorry mechanic
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 lorry mechanic business?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the van, tools and equipment you buy and the insurance you need. These are estimates, so price your own kit list before committing.
How much can a mobile lorry mechanic earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how many hours you work, the jobs you take and your pricing. Treat these figures as estimates, as workload will vary.
What should I check before repairing lorries on site?
Check public liability insurance and cover for your tools and van, how to dispose of waste oil and old parts legally, and safe working practice for lifting and working under heavy vehicles. Also check what qualifications customers expect, and whether tachograph or testing work needs separate approval.
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