Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - Engine repair labor Rates

I'm going to retire in a year or so and contemplating opening a small engine repair shop. Where can I get labor rates for this type of business in my area. Such as: time charges for a tune up, replacing belts, overhaul and such.

Thanks Lefty

Hello mcclefty!

I don't know where you will find such a diverse reference that will give this info. A tuneup isn't just a tuneup. A belt change isn't just a belt change. The blade belt on a 1993 craftsman 42" mower may take an average of 10 minutes to change, but the blade belt on a John deere 265 may take twice as long. Then you run into a bad idler pulley and maybe some jackshaft bearings that weren't expected to be bad, so there's more time, and $$. There would have to be a flat rate manual 80 feet thick to cover replacement times of every part on every mower, of every year and model.

After a few years in the trade, you will learn how long it should take to do a job, and be able to give the customer an accurate estimate. Until then, give yourself a wider range of error in your estimates. Instead of telling the customer it will run about $105.00....tell them it should run between $100.00 and $125.00. That is how I started. Now my estimates are usually accurate by $5.00 or less.

Congrats on your soon retirement, and good luck with your shop!

Thanks a lot for your rapid response. I find this forum extremely helpful.

Mcclefty

You're welcome! Glad to help any time we can. Check back once in awhile, your post may get more answers from others, who may have other suggestions.