Oliver had been widely known as an agricultural company even though industrial models were part of their lineup. Their industrial line began to pick up strength in the late 1940’s and early 50’s. Part of their strength came from a company located far from the Midwestern factories of Oliver. This company would join forces with Oliver and help them market equipment that is very collectible today. Like Oliver, the company is no longer around to savor the success of their product line.

Be-Ge’s roots go back to the early 1930’s. The Gilroy Welding Shop was formed to fill the need of equipment to level the California farmland, which was a necessity for irrigation. The kingpins of this company were J.E. Bussert and Al Gurries. Both of these men were well versed in farming methods and land leveling. The name Be-Ge came from the last initial of each of their names with an “e” added behind it.

These two men saw a real need for a hydraulic method of operating land leveling equipment. The method at that time was either mechanical operation or cable.

California was booming both in growing farms and growing cities. Having the foresight to see what was ahead, Bussert and Gurries set out to perfect hydraulic power. Their pioneering work led to the development of the hydraulic pump that would put the cable company out of business. With this new designed hydraulic system and the ability to build land-leveling equipment, the newly formed company established a good reputation.

Their new equipment was instrumental in the construction of the Bay Meadows racetrack, which was the longest continuous running thoroughbred racetrack in the state of California. It operated from 1934 until August 2008. Seabiscuit won twice at this track, which was built with Be-Ge equipment. Another well-known racetrack in California re-constructed by Be-Ge was the Tanforan in San Bruno.

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