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John MannersHarvester Collector
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- John Manners: The Collector of Combines
- A Hobby Turned Passion
- A Thriving Business
- A Famous Collector
- A Serendipitous Hobby
John Manners: The Collector of Combines
John Manners, a 76-year-old farmer from Battle Bridge Farm near Alnwick, Northumberland, has gained fame for his incredible collection of agricultural machinery. With a total of 350 combines, it is the largest known private collection of its kind.
A Hobby Turned Passion
John started his unique hobby of collecting agricultural machinery in 1974 by chance. He needed wheels for his only excavator at the time, but the price was too high. However, he stumbled upon an old combine with a lower price tag than the wheels. He purchased it and eventually acquired another, and another. Over time, he began buying and selling machinery and parts, assembling and disassembling them as needed. As his collection grew, John realized he had a knack for both business and collecting.
A Thriving Business
As the demand for spare parts for such machines rose, John's business flourished. Farmers often turned to him to acquire affordable parts, especially during harvest season. With each new machine, John not only expanded his business but also his collection. Today, he purchases around 50-60 machines every year, with the help of his two sons.
A Famous Collector
John Manners has found the perfect balance between his hobby and work. His thriving business has made him somewhat of a celebrity. In fact, he receives orders for spare parts from beyond the borders of Britain, including Malaysia, Lithuania, Cyprus, New Zealand, and Thailand. Thanks to Google Earth, one can get a glimpse of his astonishing collection of agricultural machinery, neatly lined up on a large plot of land. John navigates his vast holdings using an electric car.
A Serendipitous Hobby
If it weren't for the need for wheels for his excavator in the 1970s, John Manners would have never thought of becoming a collector of agricultural machinery. Today, he is not only a successful businessman but also a passionate and fulfilled collector.
