Local diesel engine dealer with a small yard

Independent truck and diesel repair shops, small fleets, farmers, contractors and vehicle owners in your region.

You sell engines at a markup over your purchase cost, add core charges and delivery fees, and may sell warranty plans and related parts like turbos or injectors.

• Solid diesel engine knowledge and the ability to judge condition
• Buying and pricing stock well
• Customer service and building trade relationships

• Check your city or county for zoning, business license and any rules for storing engines, oil and fluids
• Check your state for dealer or used parts licensing, and register for sales tax and resale certificates as required
• Environmental rules for storing and disposing of used oil, coolant and other fluids, so check with your state environmental agency
• Emissions rules from the EPA and CARB on which engines can be sold for which uses
• Inventory ties up a lot of cash, so avoid buying engines without a likely buyer
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Lifting heavy engines safely, with the right equipment and training

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your unit or yard, the engines you stock, lifting equipment and insurance. Inventory ties up a lot of cash, so avoid buying engines without a likely buyer.

Check your city or county for zoning, business license and rules on storing engines, oil and fluids. Also check state dealer or used parts licensing, sales tax and resale certificates, environmental rules for used oil and coolant, and EPA and CARB emissions rules.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on stock, pricing and the trade customers you build. Estimates start from about 30 hours a week. Lifting heavy engines safely needs the right equipment and training.