How to find a lorry mechanic?

[dressage_diva]

I recently acquried my first 7.5t horsebox and am just thinking ahead to when it needs servicing/its MOT doing later this year. How do I go about finding a good mechanic who can service it and (if necessary) take it for its MOT? I don't know anyone in the area as I bought my horsebox as a new-conversion from some builders quite a way away (they obviously dealt with the initial servicing/mot after it was converted) and I don't really want to have to drive it back to them for any work that needs doing!

So what's the best place to find a good lorry mechanic? I'm up in North Oxon near the gloucs/warks border if anyone can recommend anyone!

 

[flyingfeet]

Word of mouth, do you see other horsey people from your area? Failing that try good old yellow pages

You can take it to a commercial garage, but this always seems more expensive to me.

 

[dressage_diva]

Word of mouth, do you see other horsey people from your area?

I'm relatively knew to my area too unfortunately and don't really see other liveries at all. Can ask the yard owner though as he has a rather snazzy HGV. Was reluctant to just rely on yellow pages, as you never know how good they are.

 

[catembi]

I think you're def doing the right thing by being organised now.

50% of the reason I sold my DAF is that it was utterly *impossible* to get someone reliable to fix it. 3 people didn't turn up at all, the 4th turned up & charged me £300 & didn't fix it & the 5th finally fixed it & got it thru its MOT...3 months after it missed its MOT cos it wouldn't start on the day cos the 4th guy said it was fixed when it wasn't. So 3 months of being grounded.

I feel cross all over again just thinking about it.

Good luck!

T x

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

You compete?
If so, then go round the parking area next few times you are out & ask others who they use & how local they are to the venue/your location..
As you are new to the area, this is a good opener & you might well make new friends too along the way
Go along to events when not competing, most people will give you 2 mins if you ask them.

Just keep a notebook/pencil in your pocket when out & about.

Good luck

 

[dressage_diva]

You compete?

Sadly not any more! Bought the lorry and at our first outing horse did suspensory ligament in both hind legs! So at the moment the lorry is only doing trips back and forth to the vet (until I can afford a second horse!).

 

[Santa_Claus]

I'm in the process of buying a lorry and as haven't owned a lorry whilst been in the area and too far from my old mechanic I rung up my trusty car garage and asked who they would recommend and rung them and they are doing a pre purchase check for me next week on one!

Not all commercial mechanics are expensive though. Old mechanic did lots of commercial vehicles and the odd horsebox and was very reasonable, and the labour rates for the one I have been recommended this time are half what my garage charge!!

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Sadly not any more! Bought the lorry and at our first outing horse did suspensory ligament in both hind legs! So at the moment the lorry is only doing trips back and forth to the vet (until I can afford a second horse!).

Sorry to hear that

But honestly, DO go & ask locals. Worth you popping along to anything from stressage, SJ through to local PC events, you'll get some info then
Hope horse mends x

 

[ecrozier]

I also use a commercial garage after being messed about by a mobile Horsebox mechanic. The commercial HGV garage I use are very reasonable price wise, have very ood access to parts etc if needed and are thoroughly nice guys.

 

[humblepie]

He's in the front room watching TV (though to be fair he is ill). As sensible reply echo word of mouth. Perhaps ask at local feed store/tack shop if you are new to area, does your farrier know anyone etc.

 

[scribble]

go down to your local VOSA test station and make friends then ask them where they would recommend and also whether any of them do anything. sometimes they will give you a recommendation

Also there are stuff that people think would fail an MOT and is not included and also stuff that would surprise you as to what they look at really closely.