History

It all started in 1972...

 

It was Norman Burden who first recognised a worldwide market for used tractors, it was this which led him to found The Burdens Group in 1972. Concentrating solely on buying and selling second hand tractors for export, the company was soon asked to supply local farmers.

During the next six years the business continued to expand at its premises in Swineshead, Lincolnshire.

1978 – Burdens Horticulture Division...

In 1978, the decision was made to enter the retail farm machinery business. Norman's father joined the business in that year and the International Harvester franchise along with several other major franchises were acquired.

During the same year, Burdens Horticulture was founded as a subsidiary company to import specialised field vegetable equipment from Europe. The company soon grew into one of the areas leading importers of specialist agricultural equipment, with a reputation for quality and expertise.

1982 – Burdens becomes a John Deere Dealership...

 

 

In 1982, Burdens was approached by John Deere to sell their range of agricultural products in the area. Following this success, Burdens went onto open a second branch at Wrangle in 1985 and then a third at North Kyme.

 

1984 – Burdens Acquires 'Groundscare Lincoln'...

 

In 1984 Burdens acquired an established groundcare focused business; Groundscare Lincoln and by extension opened the first division location of what was to be come Burdens Golf & Turf. This division was launched across the northern branches of the business.

 

1987 – New Sutterton Headoffice...

By 1987 the original headquarters in Swineshead were outgrown and Burdens acquired its present three acre site at Sutterton where the current purpose-built head office was built.

 

1989 - Turfleet Hire Opened....

 

 

Spring 1989 saw the opening of Turfleet Hire, a division dedicated to the hire of professional groundscare equipment. This division of Burdens was launched in the south area of the business. 

1991 – Burdens Acquires Golf & Turf Equipment Ltd...  

 

This was followed in 1991 by the acquisition of Golf & Turf Equipment Ltd situated in Wokingham, Berkshire. This specialist groundcare business supplies products and service to Berkshire and many companies within the M25 area.

2002 – Burdens Clothing...

 

The group expanded again in 2002 with the addition of Burdens Outdoors, offering premium branded outdoor lifestyle clothing. This was a move away from the traditional agricultural and groundsare markets, but had a synergy with existing customer groups.

2003 – Mower Centre Concept Developed...

After establishing themselves in the professional groundcare market, Norman spotted a gap in the market for high quality domestic mowers and gardening machinery. With this in mind, he developed the Mower Centre brand selling high-end John Deere lawnmowers, ride-on mowers and other items.

2005 – Turfleet Hire Business Expanded...

 

Turfleet Hire offers a fantastic range of groundcare equipment from top manufacturers. As a part of The Burdens Group, itself part of the group which makes up one of the UK's leading John Deere dealerships we have the added advantage of being able to react to any changes in the industry instantly. This means we are always adding new equipment to our hire fleet.

2006 – Turfleet Hire Launches in the northern side of the business....

After the expansion of the Turfleet aspect of the business in terms of range of services, 2006 saw this division expand geographically as well, with the division being launched in the northern branch at North Kyme.

2007 – Burdens Acquires AE Goodacres & Son...

 

To further strengthen the Group's agricultural and horticultural businesses, the Group acquired the assets of AE Goodacres & Sons in January 2007. Goodacres specialises in potato and vegetable grading, handling, sorting, weighing and bagging equipment.

2007 – Burdens Construction Division Launched...