1965 Leo Sr learns the trade from his father Cees.

To the right is the forge where, in addition to tractors and agricultural equipment, fireplaces and stoves were sold.

1965 - Two Deutz old-timers in front of the door. Van Loen was a dealer of this solid and reliable brand of tractor for around 40 years.

Right:
Even then they were busy making machines themselves:
A converted waste collection truck. Taken from the lorry's chassis and made into a trailer, fitted with a power take-off drive.
Detail: see the old galvanised waste bins

1968 - At the request of the local turf cultivator, the first vacuum sweeper was constructed to remove mowed grass from the land.

This formed the starting point for a full range of grass vacuum sweepers.

The confidence and dedication of local turf cultivators made a valuable contribution to the improvement of the machines.

1973 - The first Brouwer turf harvester was brought into use in Europe. The customer had purchased the machine and it was put into use by us. In the photo we can see Cees Sr and Leo.

Right: 1975
An off-road forklift truck was also constructed for the same customer, to be used for moving turf pallets on the land. At the time, telescopic handlers did not exist. A forklift was constructed on the rear side, and the cabin was rotated 180 degrees.
 

In the background is Café de Kolkrijst, located on the opposite side of the forge.

In the sixties and seventies, machines for livestock breeding with hay making, cattle fodder, milking and cowshed equipment were the predominant business activities.

For maintenance to milking machines, an efficient fleet of vehicles was needed: Simcas and Volkswagen transporters, all in the Alfa-Laval design.

Centre: this bus, fitted with what might be considered a display window, was for many years used to deliver products required for milking in the Eemland region.