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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
In 2011, Herder further expanded its product portfolio with stump cutters.
In 2017, Herder One is launched: a completely new concept in which arm and vehicle are designed as one integrated machine. Key principles are:
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 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.
