In 2011, Herder further expanded its product portfolio with stump cutters.
History of Herder (1947–present)
1947
The Origins
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.
1963
The breakthrough of the mowing bucket
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.
1964
Patented mowing bucket
International breakthrough with the patented mowing bucket, establishing Herder as an innovative force.
1965
Herder MB Arm
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.
1975
Growth and Professionalisation
Herder relocates to the Grenadierweg in Middelburg, where a new production facility opens. Demand for reach arms continues to rise, and the MB arm is further developed and optimised.
1983
Company expansion
In 1983, the factory expands again to keep up with increasing demand.
1986
Grenadier launched
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.
1987
Milestone production and new generations of machines
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.
1997
Recognition & Innovation
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.
2004
Middelburg expansion
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
2007
Transition to Herder B.V.
In 2007, Herder officially said goodbye to Ko den Herder, followed a year later by Ab den Herder in 2008. This marked the end of the family-led era, after which the company continued as Herder B.V., focusing on further international professionalisation.
2011
Product Range Expansion
2017
Herder One launch
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.
2018
Global market leader
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.
2018
Truck-mounted boom combination
Launch of a truck-mounted boom combination enabling long reach and efficient verge and waterfront maintenance directly from the road.
2022
Ecochopper patent
Patent granted for the Ecochopper, a sustainable mowing solution designed to protect biodiversity during mowing.
2025
Groenkeur certifications
Herder obtains the Groenkeur sustainability mark for two mowers (Ecochopper / Ecological mower), recognizing them as sustainable mowing solutions for end users.