Greetings folks,
I'm new here and was seeking some pro advice on helping me shop for a D2 Cat. I have equipment experience in the form of trucks and old tractors but I have always wanted a small Cat for moving logs to my small mill, I also plan some dirt moving later. Are there things I need to look out for/ avoid. Or want to have in a D2? Any years that may be more desirable than others? Thanks for any and all replies in advance!

If it were me I,d look for the last of the D2s made which are the the 4U & 5U D2s.Maybe if you have someone near you that is familar with tractors that would be a big plus to help you check one out if you locate one.Maybe jump down to the for sale- wanted site on here and ask for wanted a D2 you may even find one not too far from you.

The main thing is to get a good running tractor with good tracks and undercarriage.

For desirable features, there's the oil clutch which I doubt is as important on a D2 as on a larger tractor, but should (almost completely) eliminate clutch replacement worries.

Then there are 5 roller track frames which would help when trying to doze something flat without the speed bumps.

Then the rest is just getting one equipped with the dozer, hydraulics, winch, pto etc you want. Usually getting these when you buy the machine is the cheapest/easiest you will ever get them. Trying to run them down later and install them can be frustrating.


A D2 isn't the easiest tractor in the world to fix steering clutches etc on. The components are lighter than the larger tractors, but for instance, steering clutches/brakes that can be removed as a unit on the larger tractors require breaking the tracks and removing the track frames and final drives to remove from a D2

Welcome aboard, I work with a guy that wants to sell his D2. I think it is a 5U. He works Mon-Fri and I work rotating shifts so might not see him for awhile but will see what I can do, if you like. John

When you're watching the D2's for sale: 5U has the air cleaner between the drivers knees. 5J has it up front RH side behind the radiator. Lots of parts for a 5J are getting hard to find. 5U is better. Anyway, with this info you can sort them out through the car window.

Jack

www.antiquecaterpillar.net/ACF_v2/forumdisplay.php?f=12

I don't know if you can see this if you don't register, but there's several interesting things in the archives about the various D2 series (specifications etc). Also the registry of machines that you can use to date one pretty closely using the serial number.

Maybe one day there will be archives on ACMOC:)

On Craigs List mid Wisconsin and one up near near Michigan. One is a U series and the other is a J series with a Cargo winch, Blade and a "Roll" Cage.
I thought that one might be reasonably priced. I don't remember the price on the U series because I wasn't interested.
I get nothing out of thier potential sale!
drujinin