Estcourt Wagon Works

Estcourt Wagon Works Through 5 Generations
Estcourt Wagon Works is a long established Estcourt family business dating back to 1882.

History: James John Richmond, the founder, was born in Norwich, England, in 1860. After completing his education he was apprenticed to a veterinary surgeon. In 1880 he immigrated to South Africa, landing in Cape Town, and joined the military service in one of the cape corps where he campaigned in the Basutoland Hostilities. At the close of Hostilities he relocated to Durban, where he secured Blacksmithing and Farrier contracts on the Pietermaritzburg to Ladysmith Natal railway line.

In 1882 he left the railway and set up business as blacksmith, farrier and wagon builder at the drift across the Bushman’s River, which was situated between the Bacon Factory, Alice Bridge and the old railway bridge, where the Epol Feeds depot is situated today.

After some time he relocated the business to Lorne Street, next to the then famous Railway Hotel (opposite the location of the present L.J. Goods Garage.)

The next move was to Harding Street, adjacent to the Estcourt Hotel (Fabric Plaza), then across the road next to Standard Bank. These moves all occurred during the first 18 years of the business, and in 1900, at the turn of the century, the business moved to its present location in Victoria Street, opposite Nestle’s.

Over 129 years the business has diversified through each of the 5 generations, from shoeing horses, building wagons, welding in the forge (fire), wrought iron work being undertaken, and Engineering equipment being introduced.

Model “T” Ford Engines were overhauled, crankshaft bearings remetalled, and electric arc welding was introduced. Cylinder reboring, cylinder head reconditioning, bicycle and motor cycle sales and repairs were introduced, followed by push and power mower sales and repairs.

In 1964 a new show room was built, and business expanded.

The business, commonly known as ‘Richmonds’, became one of the largest cycle and toy shops in Northern Natal, experiencing all the crazes of BMX cycles, Roller skates, skate boards, electric trains, scaleletrix, match box cars, models (cars, planes, boats) and dolls. As time progressed, these were phased out, and with Wagon Drift Dam being so close to our door step, the time was ripe for boats, windsurfers, water skis, canoes and paddle skis.

Still the business grew and more space was needed, so the workshops and showroom were enlarged and more staff employed, training was implemented, and today Estcourt Wagon Works with 14 staff, boasts a level one BBBEE Rating certificate. The technicians are sent for regular training and evaluations covering the wide range of products which we sell and service. We supply spares for all the products that we carry.

SALES: We carry a vast range of products, namely golf cars, domestic, industrial and ride on lawn mowers, generators, water pumps, welders and industrial power products, brush cutters, chainsaws, vacuum cleaners, pressure washers, earth augers, pole pruners and lubricants.

We are authorized dealers for the following brands: Yamaha , Stihl, Husqvarna, Shindaiwa, Active, Echo, Tandem and Briggs & Stratton. Hitachi, Makita and Maktec power tools. Gedore, King Tony, Raco Fragram hand tools, Afrox industrial gases and welding equipment. Mat weld inverters, mig and tig accessories, Fag and Koyo bearings, Challenge power transmission, Belts, oil seals, Loctite adhesives, and Pferd cutting and abrasive discs.

SPARES: We carry a comprehensive range of spares in stock for all the above mentioned products.

SERVICE: Our Factory trained technicians handle all servicing and repairs in our well equipped workshop. We also offer on site servicing and repairs for our Yamaha golf car range.

The Richmond family is committed to servicing the needs of the Estcourt Community into the future and who knows where this might take our product range?

More Richmond history can be viewed at Fort Durnford Museum.