LITITZ, Pa. — “Skyview Tractor Repairs.” That’s what two modest signs proclaim at the former Binkley & Hurst property located about three miles east of Lititz in northern Lancaster County.

Indeed, there is a massive tractor repair shop on the property and the mechanics will pretty much repair all makes and models of diesel-powered tractors.

However, it’s what those modest signs don’t say that inspires deeper reporting, pictures and headlines. An analogy might help to explain the reality. It’s like a large, reputable car dealership operating under a half-Dutch-door-sized sign that says: “We Repair Cars.” Or an amusement park modestly proclaiming that they sell cotton candy.

Skyview Tractor Repairs, LLC is in fact also a destination that has roughly 2000 tires in stock to fit most any rim and an impressive inventory of German-made agricultural and construction equipment. Machines include a large variety of wheel loaders, skid loaders, excavators and dump trucks. The lot across the street from the office and shop calls attention to the business in its own way.

Skyview Tractor Repairs LLC was started in 2007 by Ed Zimmerman, who had been a dairy farmer up until that time. “He just loved fixing equipment,” explained his son, Lamar, adding that Ed got the “bug” while working on IH tractors as a teenager. Lamar joined the business in 2011. The Zimmerman family still owns the original farm outside of Manheim, as well as the neighboring property which became the first home for the Skyview tractor repair business 18 years ago. Today, the re-located business employs 19 people.

“As the business grew, we decided to be a better full-service tractor repair shop,” Lamar  shared. “So, in early 2014 we took on the Michelin Ag Tire dealership, which is still our top-selling tire even though we sell nearly any brand of tires. Also in stock are Michelin automobile tires and over a thousand wheels.

Expansion at the Manheim location continued until they could no longer do so. Township ordinances and restrictions came into play. Nevertheless, business grew and in 2016 they became an authorized dealer for the Wacker Neuson equipment line, a dominant manufacturer throughout Europe. While that is currently the only line of new equipment that they carry, it’s worth noting that they service and repair any makes and models. What’s more, the company has four service trucks and two tire trucks for on-site repairs. 

Fast forward to February 1, 2025. Binkley & Hurst had moved to a new location off of Route 23 between New Holland and Leola which afforded the Zimmerman family an opportunity  to grow even more. “This move gave us a bit more indoor space, as well as significantly more outdoor space,” Lamar pointed out.

On November 20, 21 and 22, Skyview Tractor Repairs will host its first open house at the new location, 133 Rothsville Station Road, Lititz. Easily accessible from any direction, it’s less than a 10-minute drive coming off of the U.S. Route 222 Brownstown exit and proceeding west on Pa. Route 772.

“Last year at our open house we had over 1500 people show up over the two days that it was held,” Lamar remembered. “We’re expecting a bigger turn-out this year,” he smiled.  Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Refreshments will be available all three days, as are special pricing and free deliveries of much of what they have to sell.

Farmers of all persuasions are invited to attend, as are contractors, land owners, foresters, outdoorsmen and anyone else with an interest in “toys for big boys.” There will even be opportunities to try some of them out.