Our Company History
Percy Victor Dobson, widely known as 'P V', was the son of a farmer that began selling tractors and agricultural machinery shortly after World War Two.

'P V' started as a poultry farmer in 1935 under the name 'South Westmorland Hatcheries' at Ivy House but a major fire in the incubators caused a change in direction!

During the war he worked as an agricultural contractor and engineer, finding time to transport the local Homeguard (Jones-like!) in his cattle truck. 'P V' was contract mowing at this time in a red Morris Cowley car with a mid mounted mower!

After the war he became increasingly involved in buying and selling used tractors all over the UK, along with ex-military and ex-War Ag equipment. He was a talented engineer and inventor who could turn his hand to many tasks. He manufactured wheel rims at Ivy House to re-wheel tractors rubber tyres from the original steel 'spade lug' wheels. Converting tractors to Perkins diesel engines was also an important business at this time, particularly with Grey Fergies.

The end of the war had brought many changes and saw P V also involved in transport running wagons delivering flour. New markets developed for the ex-military equipment with the increased activity in forestry and quarries as the UK recovered from the war.

There were major changes in the 1950s as sons Alan and Chris joined the business; the Nuffield franchise was taken in 1957 and PV's began selling JCB from 1959.

A major change came with Massey Ferguson in 1967, for both Agricultural and Industrial machines. MF continues to be the principal franchise, not only for tractors but also MF ATVs, Tele Handlers, Groundscare equipment, Balers and Loaders. Massey Ferguson has been joined by Fendt since 2005.

P.V. Dobsons has also been heavily involved in industrial plant and machinery since the 1950s first with JCB and then from 1967 with MF Industrial, which has subsequently evolved into FERMEC now part of the TEREX organization. The development of Mini Diggers in the industry has been mirrored by the increasing significance of the Kubota mini digger franchise since starting in 1992. P.V. Dobsons also represents Yamaguchi mini tracked dumpers and Morooka tracked dumpers, Canadian built Thomas Skid steers are sold to both agricultural and industrial customers.

In a major investment in 2004 a new branch was opened on the Snaygill Industrial Estate, Skipton. This significant development has given 'PVs' improved local coverage in North and West Yorkshire, particularly for parts and service.

Bridge End Garage

In 1978 Bridge End Garage was purchased which at the time held the Austin Rover franchise. Bridge End has had a number of owners over the years, its roots stemming back to the turn of the century when the site was a series of cottages one of which was a cycle repair shop belonging to Winder Yapp.

Over the years the business has been developed with the complete replacement of the buildings with a new pioneering facility. This purpose built facility has three showrooms, representing the unique character of each marque, sharing a central administration, parts and workshop centre.

P.V. Dobson's now represent Jaguar, Volvo and Mazda for Cumbria and North Lancashire.