Tractor and farm machinery repair workshop

Farmers, ranchers, hobby farm owners, landscapers and local contractors, plus other businesses that overflow work to you.

Shop labor rate per hour plus parts markup, with fixed prices for routine services. Pickup and delivery with a trailer can be an extra charge.

• Engine, transmission and hydraulic repair
• Welding and machining basics
• Parts sourcing and inventory
• Quoting jobs and managing a workshop

• Zoning and permits for a repair shop, check with your city or county
• Garage liability or general liability insurance, plus coverage for customers' equipment in your care
• Environmental rules for used oil, solvents and waste, check with your state agency
• Lease and utility costs run whether or not work is coming in, and seasonal swings are common
• Hiring a mechanic means workers' compensation and payroll obligations

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, lift or heavy-duty bays, tools and parts storage. These are estimates, and lease and utility costs run whether or not work is coming in.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on the jobs you take on, your rates and the season. Seasonal swings are common in farm work, so plan your cash flow around them.

Check zoning and permits for a repair shop with your city or county. Also check garage or general liability insurance, coverage for customers' equipment in your care, environmental rules for used oil, solvents and waste, and workers' compensation and payroll if you hire.