About Us

From our farm to yours

Since it's inception, Southern Forest Machinery has given local farmers the affordable, and most importantly, reliable equipment and machinery needed to continue to progress in the agricultural industry.

The Della Gola family have a long history as farmers in the South-west region; firstly in the dairy and potato industries, they then converted their herd to beef cattle and expanded out to the Tonebridge area. Southern Forest Machinery was founded in 2014 by John and Joseph Della Gola, a father and son partnership and former dairy and beef cattle farmers, who built a successful dealership based upon the key values of a farmer;

gaining loyalty by acting with integrity;
trust through honesty, and;
customer satisfaction by teamwork.

In 2022, the business was purchased by the next generation of Della Golas, with Matthew and Felicity Della Gola taking over the ownership of Southern Forest Machinery. As a farmer, Matt has a broad knowledge about agricultural machinery and knows first-hand the importance of reliable and durable machinery to get you through the day-to-day farm work, as well as the first-class service and support when you need it. Through the dealership, they deliver farmer-focused solutions, backed by prompt parts support and servicing of equipment, and this is why they chose this next step to become the proud owners.

Mission Statement

"Conduct all facets of business with due care and diligence to offer complete sales and service, which will ensure customers gain the confidence in Southern Forest Machinery as their first choice dealership within the local area for all their farming equipment needs."

Matt & Felicity Della Gola

The Dealer Principal and Operations Manager is Lauren Simcock (nee Della Gola). Lauren brings a wealth of experience in customer relations, human resources, business management and extensive networks within the agricultural industry to her role at Southern Forest Machinery.

Felicity Della Gola along with Niki Renton handle accounts and administration of the dealership, while Janet Favero is our Parts and Service Manager, ably assisted by Erica Phillips. Our mechanical team, comprising Connor Lammie, Peter Church and Jay Rice, together have over 50 years of experience in large and small engine servicing and repairs. Backed by AGCO sales and service, we are confident we can meet your needs in machinery sales and after sales support!

The change of hands at the start of 2023 has brought renewed energy, vision and new skills to the dealership, ensuring the support and ongoing loyalty of local farming businesses as their first choice for machinery sales, parts and service.

Originally trading as a dealership for Massey Ferguson and Fendt tractors and agricultural machinery, Southern Forest Machinery has expanded our range and products on offer to meet the evolving needs of the diverse agricultural sectors represented in the local region. Check out our Tractors for sale here, or view all our brands on offer here.