How do I judge a mobile welding rig and the work it brings in?

Start with the vehicle and equipment. Ask for maintenance records on the truck, the welder and the generator, and run each of them. Check the fit-out: racking, leads, gas storage and lighting. Ask what the owner replaced recently and what is due. A rig that looks tired may still earn well, but you should know what it will cost to keep running.

Next, look at ownership. Confirm the truck is registered to the business or to the owner, and whether any of the equipment is financed or leased. Ask what is included in the sale and write it down. Have your lawyer check that the rig is clear of claims.

Then judge the work. Ask for a year of job records showing customer, location, job type and whether the customer returned. Mobile work often depends on a few property managers or contractors who phone the owner directly. Ask whether the calls would continue under a new owner. Ride along on a day of work if possible, and check how the owner schedules, quotes and gets paid. Your accountant can compare the rig’s earnings with its running costs. Ask also what insurance covers the rig on the road and on customer sites, and whether the policy can move to you.

Key takeaways

• Inspect and test the truck, welder and generator, and ask what repairs are due.
• Confirm title, financing and what is included in the sale.
• Ride along for a day to see who books the work and how repeat it is.