About the team

Family-owned in Forbes since 1988.

Forbes Small Engine Specialists sells and services outdoor power equipment, motorbikes and side-by-sides from 25 Union Street, Forbes. Started by Paul and Maree Westcott, and now owned and run by their daughter, Melissa Milford.

See the Story Call 02 6852 3228

Built in Forbes, one step at a time

What started with Paul repairing mowers, chainsaws and motorbikes, and Maree looking after the books, in a rented shed is now a purpose-built showroom and busy workshop on Union Street.

The team sells and services outdoor power equipment, motorbikes and side-by-sides, with trusted brands including Polaris, Husqvarna, Cox, Masport, Country Clipper, Segway, YCF, Rato, DiroDi, Greenworks, Relko and Briggs & Stratton.

Customers come in from Forbes, Parkes, Condobolin, Grenfell and the farms in between.

Forbes Small Engine Specialists sign, established 1988

Since 1988

Nearly four decades of mowers, motorbikes and side-by-sides in Forbes.

1988

Starting out on Oxford Street

Paul and Maree Westcott open the business in a rented shed on Oxford Street, with Paul repairing mowers, chainsaws and motorbikes.

The rented shed on Oxford Street, Forbes, where the business started in 1988 — The rented shed on Oxford Street.

Paul and Maree Westcott at the Forbes Small Engines grand opening in 1988 — Paul and Maree at the grand opening.

1991

A place of their own

The business buys its first property at 6 Cross Street, with room to stock mowers and motorbikes as well as repair them.

Forbes Small Engine Specialists shed at 6 Cross Street, Forbes — 6 Cross Street.

1993

Polaris arrives

The business starts selling Polaris, becoming one of the first Polaris dealers in Australia. The same year, Maree accepts a Cox award for outstanding achievement in service and sales for 1993 to 1994.

Polaris quads and Cox ride-on mowers outside Forbes Small Engine Specialists in 1993, when the business became one of the first Polaris dealers in Australia — Selling Polaris from 1993.

Maree Westcott with a Cox award for outstanding achievement in service and sales, 1993 to 1994 — Maree with the Cox award.

Paul and Maree Westcott with a lawn mower in the early years of the business — Paul and Maree in the early years.

2001

Moving to Union Street

The purpose-built premises on Union Street open, with a proper workshop and a retail floor three times the size.

Forbes Small Engine Specialists on Union Street after opening in 2001 — Union Street in the early 2000s.

2016

A growing yard

The range keeps growing. Quads, ride-ons and mowers line the front of the Union Street shop.

Forbes Small Engine Specialists on Union Street around 2016 with machines out the front — Union Street, around 2016.

2025

The next generation

In February 2025, Paul and Maree hand the keys to their daughter, Melissa Milford. Mel grew up in the business and had been running it day to day for several years.

Paul Westcott handing the keys to Melissa Milford — Paul hands the keys to Mel.

Melissa and Ashley Milford with Paul and Maree Westcott and Philip Donato MP at the handover in February 2025 — Mel and Ashley Milford, Paul and Maree Westcott, and Member for Orange Philip Donato.

2026

Award-winning service

The team takes home Excellence in Agribusiness, Industrial & Trade at the 2026 Boscars.

Melissa Milford with the Excellence in Agribusiness, Industrial and Trade award at the 2026 Boscars — Mel with the award at the 2026 Boscars.

Oct 2026

Union Street today

The Union Street shop today, with Polaris Rangers lining the front and the team ready to help in the showroom and workshop.

Forbes Small Engine Specialists shopfront on Union Street, Forbes, with machines out the front — Union Street, October 2026.

The team today

Call in to 25 Union Street and you will find Mel and Wayne in the showroom, with Curt, Brock and Ethan keeping the workshop running.

The workshop team includes two qualified motorcycle technicians and a third-year apprentice. More than a dozen motorcycle mechanics have trained and qualified through the business over the years.

The aim has not changed since 1988: honest advice, fast turnarounds and gear that is ready to work.

Workshop & Repairs Polaris Range

Mower showroom at Forbes Small Engine Specialists — The showroom.

Mechanic working at the bench in the Forbes Small Engine Specialists workshop — The workshop.

Part of the Forbes community

A local business only works with local support, and the team is proud to give back. Recent sponsorships include the Forbes Netball Association, Forbes Rodeo and the Bedgerabong races.

Call in and see the team

25 Union Street, Forbes NSW 2871. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, and Saturday 8:30am to 12pm.

Call 02 6852 3228 Contact the Team