About 1859, Daniel Best patented a thresher and entered into business with Nathaniel P. Slate, the firm being called Best & Slade. Best had a branch in Oakland, CA and subsequently purchased the San Leandro Plow Co. in nearby San Leandro, CA.
In the winter of 1869-1870, Daniel Best developed and built three portable grain cleaners. Soon a factory in Marysville, CA was opened to build these cleaners. Not long after, Best moved to Albany, OR. at which time a seed dusting machine and fanning mill were added to the line.
In the early 1880's Daniel Best chose a location for his factory in San Leandro, CA. Daniel Best delivered his first steam harvester in February, 1889, for $4,500. He stayed on for one week to instruct the new owner. The machine had two sections: traction engine and combine. The two traction engine wheels were eight feet high and 26 inches across.
The Best Manufacturing Co. of San Leandro merged with the Holt Mfg. Co. of Stockton CA. in 1925 to form the Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Information Sources:
- Norbeck, Jack, Encyclopedia of American Steam Traction Engines, Crestline Publishing Inc, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Pg. 81.
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Steam Power on the American Farm by Reynold M. Wik, 1953 page 254
- The Complete Guide to Stationary Gas Engines by Mark Meincke, 1996 page 97
- The Steam Tractor Encyclopedia by John F. Spalding & Robert T. Rhode, 2011 pages 105-106