History of Herder (1947–present)
The history of Herder begins in 1947, when Jo den Herder develops a spraying cart for crops. Together with his brother Piet, he establishes Loonbedrijf Gebr. Den Herder. Their practical experience quickly creates a need for smart mechanical solutions for vegetation and ditch maintenance.
In 1963, Herder introduces the Mowing Bucket, a revolutionary invention for efficiently removing reeds and aquatic vegetation from agricultural ditches. After the ban on chemical spraying, demand grows rapidly. The patent on this Mowing Bucket marks the beginning of the Herder machinery factory, focusing on Mowing Buckets and tractor-mounted machines.
International breakthrough with the patented mowing bucket, establishing Herder as an innovative force.
In 1965, another milestone follows: the introduction of a side-mounted boom on the tractor, enabling cut material to be unloaded directly beside the ditch. The Herder MB Boom is born — the foundation of modern reach arm technology.
In 1983, Herder moved from Grenadierweg to the much larger factory facility on Herculesweg in Middelburg. This location provided room for further growth. Demand for reach mower constructions continued to increase, and the MB arm was further developed and optimized.
In 1983, the factory expands again to keep up with increasing demand.
In 1986, the Grenadier is introduced — a versatile and powerful tool carrier that becomes known worldwide. More than 15 attachments can be mounted, supporting verge, ditch, and vegetation maintenance.
In 1987, the 1,500th Herder machine rolls out of the factory, quickly followed by the 2,000th. This marks Herder’s international growth and technological leadership.
New generations of machines follow:
- Cavalier – compact, lightweight and flexible.
- Musketier – strong in roadside maintenance, equipped with the automatic Nivotronic system for mower head ground-following.
In 1997, Herder receives the prestigious Koning Willem I Plaquette in the category of environment and energy — a recognition for innovation, sustainability and sector impact.
In 2004, the Middelburg production site expands by 3,350 m². During this period, major technological improvements are introduced, including:
- joystick control
- stronger booms
- hydraulic power up to 350 bar
In 1988, Herder B.V. officially said farewell to its founders, Jo and Piet den Herder. Ko and Ab den Herder took over and continued to drive the company’s growth.
In 2007, Ko stepped down, followed by Ab den Herder in 2008. This marked the end of the family-owned phase. Herder B.V. continued as part of a group structure, focusing on further international professionalization.
In 2011, Herder strengthens its portfolio with Fermex stump grinders, fully produced in Middelburg and seamlessly fitting the existing product line.
In 2017, Herder One is launched: a completely new concept in which arm and vehicle are designed as one integrated machine. Key principles are:
- safety
- ergonomics
- economic efficiency
- single-point service
The Herder One is developed as the all-in-one solution for professional verge and ditch maintenance.
With a broad portfolio of reach mowers, Mowing Buckets, attachments, and stump grinders, Herder machines are used in more than 30 countries. Thanks to continuous innovation, proven reliability, and durable engineering, Herder is globally recognised as the specialist and market leader in verge, ditch, and vegetation maintenance.
Launch of a truck-mounted boom combination (“Bretrack”) enabling long reach and efficient verge and waterfront maintenance directly from the road.
Patent granted for the Ecochopper, a sustainable mowing solution designed to protect biodiversity during mowing.
Herder obtains the Groenkeur sustainability mark for two mowers (Ecochopper / Ecological mower), recognizing them as sustainable mowing solutions for end users.