Largest Scraper Deal in Peterson History Goes to DeSilva-Gates

DeSilva-Gates beefs up its fleet in preparation for the coming housing construction boom

Dateline: July 2004

In 1939, Oliver DeSilva made his first purchase from Peterson Tractor & Equipment Co. Through the years, Peterson and DeSilva have forged a "partnership" which has pushed both companies to the top of their respective fields. In 2004, DeSilva-Gates took delivery on the single largest scraper deal in Peterson's history ... twenty-four CAT 657E, dual-engine, 51 cubic yd. scrapers. The order took up a large chunk of Caterpillar's production capacity at its Decateur scraper plant for months on end.

The deal was spearheaded by Peterson Tractor's legendary salesman, Bob Holm. "Before this I'd sold eight 657s in my whole career. Then in one afternoon, we got orders from two contractors [DeSilva-Gates and Independent Construction] for 28 scrapers." The scrapers required 200 hours of modifications a piece. Add another 35 support machines to that and Peterson's San Leandro facility was pushed to the limit. For months. "We want to provide top quality scrapers for our customers who traditionally rent instead of own large scraper fleets," explains Peterson Tractor president, Jerry Lopus, who read the industry and ordered the equipment on faith before the deal was actually signed. "We also wanted to edge out the competitive rental companies that come into our territory every year from L.A. with their old equipment."

DeSilva-Gates scrapers do site prep on the old Leona Quarry in Oakland, CA

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Holm's Historic Scraper Sales