Tractor heritage, news and features

Buckles celebrates 40th anniversary

The family owned business was founded in 1970 by Jim Buckle and his wife Ann, and has grown from one man and a service van to become one of John Deere’s top dealers in the UK and Ireland, with a turnover of just under £10 million last year. The dealership employs 32 staff altogether, with 13 at Maulden and 19 at Cromer in Hertfordshire.

Buckles originally took on the John Deere agricultural equipment franchise at Cromer in 1988. The dealership opened its second branch at Millbrook in Bedfordshire in 2000, starting with just three staff there before transferring to Maulden in December 2009. John Deere’s full turf equipment franchise was awarded in 2007, although the business had already been selling homeowner equipment since 1998.

“We have effectively doubled turnover and staff numbers across the whole business since 2002,” says managing director Gary Buckle, who continues the family tradition alongside mother Ann, brother Paul and sister Julie Murr. “The new premises at Maulden feature a brand new John Deere Place showroom, fully equipped workshop facilities and a comprehensive stock of parts, plus a meeting room for staff and visitors.

“In addition to sales and service of John Deere’s full line of agricultural, turf and domestic equipment, our other main franchises include Kuhn, Manitou, Gregoire Besson, Spearhead, Kockerling and Bailey Trailers.

“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our Maulden branch open days from 30 March to 1 April, which will include two days of working equipment demonstrations. Staff from John Deere and our other suppliers will also be attending.”