Built from hands on work
Alan Bradshaw says he has always believed in working hard, getting his hands dirty, and figuring out how to fix things rather than just replacing parts. His experience comes from years of hands on mechanical work, troubleshooting problems, and continuously learning about the equipment he works on.
Eventually he decided to build something of his own. That is how Bradshaw's Mobile Repair LLC came about. He wanted customers to be able to call someone who would actually take the time to figure out what was wrong with their equipment and get it repaired properly.
Mostly diesel trucks and semis
The majority of calls Alan gets involve heavy duty diesel trucks, particularly semi trucks that have broken down or are having mechanical problems. He handles electrical problems, computer diagnostics, engine issues, air systems, brakes, and other mechanical failures.
He is upfront that cost depends on what actually caused the problem. Sometimes an issue that looks major turns out to be simple. Other times something that looks minor takes several hours of diagnostics and labor. He also points out that mobile repairs carry costs a traditional shop does not have, since he has to travel to the breakdown and bring the equipment with him.
Electrical problems surprise people
Alan says electrical problems are one of the biggest surprises for customers. A truck can show warning lights, starting problems, or performance issues that make someone think they are facing a major engine repair or an expensive computer replacement. Often the real problem is a damaged wire, a poor connection, or a faulty sensor.
On the flip side, customers sometimes assume a small sensor replacement should be cheap. The part itself might not cost much, but properly diagnosing the problem and getting to the component can take real time. That is why he says accurate diagnostics matter. He would rather spend time finding the real problem than have a customer pay for parts they did not need.
A Dodge Ram and a lot of roadside calls
One repair Alan is proud of involved a Dodge Ram 3500 with a transmission fluid problem. He identified the issue and got it fixed without turning it into something unnecessarily complicated or expensive for the customer.
He also says some of his proudest moments come from emergency roadside repairs. A broken down truck driver is not just dealing with a mechanical problem, they are losing time, missing deliveries, and sometimes facing real financial losses. Getting there, diagnosing the problem, making the repair, and getting that driver moving again is one of the parts of the job he values most.
What's on the truck
Alan's mobile service truck is set up for computer diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting, mechanical repairs, and mobile welding. The idea is to bring the tools and experience to the breakdown instead of making the customer arrange an expensive tow first.
He is quick to add that the most valuable tool a mechanic carries is not something you can buy. It is the knowledge and experience to understand how different systems work together and find the actual cause of a problem.
Don't skip fluids and cooling system checks
Alan's main advice on maintenance is simple, check fluid levels and keep an eye on the cooling system. He has seen a small maintenance issue turn into a much bigger mechanical problem once it gets ignored. A small coolant leak or a deteriorating hose might not seem urgent today, but if a diesel engine overheats the damage can run into thousands of dollars. The same goes for oil leaks and other fluid problems. His advice is to deal with it before the vehicle breaks down, not after.
Covering southwestern Ohio from Eaton
Bradshaw's Mobile Repair LLC is based in Eaton, Ohio. Alan mainly serves southwestern Ohio and the surrounding communities, but says he is willing to travel 100 miles or farther depending on the job. His main focus is heavy duty diesel trucks, semi trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles, but he also works on pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, agricultural equipment, and construction equipment.
When someone calls, his wife handles the incoming call and gathers the location, vehicle information, and what problems the customer is experiencing. From there they figure out whether it is something that can be handled at the customer's location. If they take the job, Alan responds personally with the service truck to diagnose and repair the problem. It is a small, family operated business, so customers are dealing directly with the people doing the work. The number is (937) 472-8907.
What to ask before you hire anyone
Alan's advice to anyone hiring a mechanic starts with experience. Working on a passenger car is very different from diagnosing a modern heavy duty diesel truck, so make sure the mechanic has worked on your type of vehicle. Second, ask about their diagnostic process. A good mechanic should explain what they found, why a repair is needed, and what they recommend.
He also says to make sure you understand the charges involved, especially with mobile or emergency roadside work, and to look for someone who stands behind their workmanship and keeps you informed along the way. As he puts it, he would rather earn someone's trust and have them call him again than make a quick dollar on a repair they did not need.
His own truck
Ask Alan about his favorite vehicle and he will tell you about his 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins, a 5 speed 4x4 that used to be his old service truck. He rebuilt and redid it completely, motor, transmission, and axles. He calls it his baby.
Interviewed by MechanicRank · October 15, 2026. Nothing here is sponsored and nothing was rewritten into marketing copy. Read the other features or tell us about your own shop.