AUBURN – One of the oldest landscaping tractor businesses in the area was purchased Monday by a 25-year-old competitor.

Delekto Bros., which opened in 1946, is now part of Hammond Tractor Co., announced David Hammond, who co-owns the Minot Avenue dealership with his partner and dad, Gary. The Hammond business was founded in 1983.

“Customers will see a seamless transition,” said David Hammond of the purchase. “It’s the same parts, the same service staff. Every one of the Delekto Bros. employees were offered a job and all are staying. They’re really good employees.”

Hammond said maintaining exceptional customer service is crucial to Hammond Tractor. Its service area stretches from western Maine to Newport, Rockland and the Portland area. The company monitors feedback to ensure customer satisfaction.

“Repeat business is one of our major goals,” he said.

Gary Hammond approached Carl Delekto about the possibility of buying the business when he heard Carl was looking toward retirement. The deal took about four months to work out. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“I believe Carl and Anita are planning to retire,” said David Hammond. “They are leaving some pretty big shoes to fill.”

He said he expects to hire additional field representatives to service farming and commercial clients. Combined with the Delekto staff, Hammond will have seven field reps working with commercial landscapers, farmers, school departments and other clients who use the specialty landscaping and tractor products. The entire staff numbers about 90.

Hammond said the purchase also increases the lines of equipment offered to customers. Delekto Bros. was one of the oldest John Deere dealers in the state. Hammond Tractor carries that line, as well as Kubota, Mahindra, and Bandit product lines among others.

The company is renovating its Minot Avenue location to accommodate the Delekto Bros. inventory and staff. Once the renovations are complete – likely by the end of June – the Delekto Bros. location on Riverside Drive will close.

Hammond said long-term, the company expects to build a new facility elsewhere on Minot Avenue to consolidate its Auburn operations under one roof. Earlier this year, it purchased Hammond Equipment on outer Minot Avenue.

The company also maintains offices in Fairfield and Union.