Our Story
H.E.S. Lubricants was established out of a lifelong involvement with old vehicles, machinery and transport.
For me, that started before I was even born.
My grandfather's interest in vintage machinery began with stationary engines. In 1978, he bought an Aveling & Porter steam tractor. After rebuilding it, he began showing her in 1983.
I was born in 1984 — and, as the family story goes, I pretty much popped out of my mum and landed straight in the coal bunker!
From then on, steam and vintage machinery were simply part of everyday life, travelling many a mile sat on the toolbox with a bit of rope tied around me.
My grandfather later bought a 1932 Sentinel steam wagon, which we showed alongside our traction engine. The Sentinel has since been converted into a steam bus and is now part of the Saunders Collection.
He also owned a 1927 Stanley steam car followed by a 1934 Alvis Speed 20 which he fully restored, and later a 1912 Maxwell Special. Although all of these vehicles have since moved on to new homes, they were a huge part of my life and helped shape my interest in old machinery.
As I got older, I began collecting and working with vehicles of my own. I have owned a few Lister model D stationary engines, a 1945 Fordson N, a Ferguson TEF and a 1954 Latil H14 TL10, all of which have since been moved on. I currently own a 1954 Saviem Latil H14 TL10, an old Defender and a miniature Aveling traction engine. Over the years I've also helped a few friends with showing their steam engines.
Alongside this interest in vintage machinery, my work in transport has given me years of experience around commercial vehicles, including recovering and transporting some rare and often unloved vintage trucks and military vehicles.
Through this involvement, I became connected with Jon at Allsops of Bolton, a business specialising in vintage and classic commercial vehicles and parts.
Allsops can currently be found online and at a variety of vintage shows throughout the country
visit D.M.B Commercial Repairs
Visit Heap Bridge Mot Centre
Martin, of DMB Commercials, with his extensive agricultural background, specialises in the repair and maintenance of classic and modern commercial vehicles. He has provided a wealth of expertise when I've reached a scratch my head moment with some of my own vehicles. Heap Bridge MOT Centre plays its part in keeping these vehicles safe and roadworthy, while also having its own collection of vintage vehicles and a steam engine.
It was through this network of businesses, people and shared interests that the idea for H.E.S. Lubricants developed.
It became clear that there was a natural fit. The vehicles we were buying, restoring, maintaining and using all needed the right lubricants — and finding suitable oils for older engines, gearboxes and machinery isn't always as straightforward as it is with modern vehicles.
H.E.S. Lubricants was established to provide those lubricants, initially supplying established brands and gradually developing our own range of H.E.S. products.
Today, we're continuing to build that range around the vehicles and machinery we know and enjoy — from classic cars and vintage commercial vehicles to tractors, steam engines and other heritage machinery.
We're still a small, hands-on business, and that's something we want to keep.
If you're not sure which lubricant is right for your vehicle, give us a call. We're happy to talk it through and help you find the right product.
From people who use these products themselves.
H.E.S. Lubricants
