When loggers began working in the big timber country of the Pacific Northwest and California, they encounter much larger trees than they had ever seen in the east. It was common to find old growth trees that were 12-14 feet across the stump and over 200 feet tall. These gigantic trees included, Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, cedar, Sitka Spruce and Redwoods, plus more.

When the fleetline series was first introduced, it used a cushioned seat that was bolted rigid to the tractors. The introduction of the Fleetline series brought a lot of publicity to the Oliver Corporation. The new line caught the eye of a company called Bostrom. This seat manufacturer was already well-known to truck builders and soon work began to develop a seat especially for the Fleetlines.

Steve Metcalfe of Springport, IN was tired of going to shows and being worn out at the end of the day. Due to insurance regulations, some shows don’t allow golf carts and all of the walking can be draining after a long day. Steve had seen custom built miniature tractors before and decided he wanted to build one to take to the shows

In the last two issues of Oliver Heritage we told you about Ware Machine Works’ successful loaders for the Oliver crawler and wheel tractors. There is more yet to tell. So pull up a chair and sit down while we tell you about Ware’s successful line of Hydro-Trenchers or more commonly known as backhoes.

The Oliver farm equipment line was a US company, however there were unknown opportunities available overseas.