I have a post about this over on the for sale/wanted section but thought everyone might be interested. This early 1962 657 scraper was donated to the Caterpillar Decatur Plant last fall. The scraper came from a construction company in MN and was very well cared for. The same operator ran it for nearly 30yrs and when he recently retired the newer operators wanted nothing to do with it. The owner of the company graciously donated it back to the plant where it was built, with the agreement we would restore it and put it on display. I am a maintenance welder here at the plant, and I have started on some of the metal fabrication work. The scraper is in overall great condition, only a few panels missing and some damage to the sides of the bowl where rocks etc got between the draft arms and the bowl sides. We are going to try and put it back to the same state as when it left the plant so the cab is being removed and she will be repainted with the proper Highway Yellow and decals. Might have some questions for you guys as things proceed, as there is surprisingly little info that can be found here at the plant. Will keep everyone posted as things progress.

What a great gesture by the prior owner. There is a world of knowledge on this site and a project like this is right us the alley of several of the guys on here. Many operated the 657 back in the day.

Thank you.

I recognize the paint. Billy Pearson/Prior Lake Aggregates had it. Some of the nicest old equipment around. No expense spared with talented mechanics.

"doylex" wrote:

I recognize the paint. Billy Pearson/Prior Lake Aggregates had it. Some of the nicest old equipment around. No expense spared with talented mechanics.

I was wondering whom might have owned it. Thanks for the information. That is one cool gift.

The prior owners are going to come to the plant when its done, and their operator is coming as well. I look forward to meeting them. I have to admire anyone who takes care of their machinery that good!

"steamdrum1" wrote:

The prior owners are going to come to the plant when its done, and their operator is coming as well. I look forward to meeting them. I have to admire anyone who takes care of their machinery that good!

Have them bring some pictures... Its a 3rd generation company now. Ask him about the TS24 Euclid's repowered with 3406/3306 engines and the Euc truck that sunk 100' to the bottom of the lake.

Now that is cool, just think how many times it paid for itself with a service life that long. Well deserved retirement for both operator and machine.

Have made some progress on the 657. The repairs to the sides of the bowl are coming along, I have cut off alot of the misc. items that were welded to it over the years. Have re-made some of the panels that were missing with help from our tin shop. The biggest thing so far happened this morning, got around to removing the cab. Things are looking more like 1962 all the time! I could use some help though. Does anyone have a picture showing the rear of the scraper bowl? Particularly the area around the bottom of the radiator, It is missing a panel there and it would help to have a photo so we can make a replacement. Thanks Bill

"steamdrum1" wrote:

Have made some progress on the 657. The repairs to the sides of the bowl are coming along, I have cut off alot of the misc. items that were welded to it over the years. Have re-made some of the panels that were missing with help from our tin shop. The biggest thing so far happened this morning, got around to removing the cab. Things are looking more like 1962 all the time! I could use some help though. Does anyone have a picture showing the rear of the scraper bowl? Particularly the area around the bottom of the radiator, It is missing a panel there and it would help to have a photo so we can make a replacement. Thanks Bill

Graet work mate, i know if John Gerhold has anything to do with it, it will be factory original before it gets final coat of paint and thats exactly how it should be, gotta have it outshine that 785!!

So the cab wont go back on i assume if your looking for originality??