Hello. 

Been rabbit holing down the interwebs and on this great site trying to narrow down what vintage this D2 is but without much luck. Unfortunately no VIN plate, so would greatly appreciate if anyone can help me in figuring out what year this unit could have been built in. 

Much thanks 🙏🏼 

   

I see it has provision for factory direct electric start so that makes it a late model 5U14,695-up. Have you checked the usual tag locations for a stamped s/n? Also look along the oil pan mounting rail, left side for a stamped number. That is one unusually clean nice unit.

Old wrote:

I see it has provision for factory direct electric start so that makes it a late model 5U14,695-up. Have you checked the usual tag locations for a stamped s/n? Also look along the oil pan mounting rail, left side for a stamped number. That is one unusually clean nice unit.
 


Thank you @Old Magnet.

Yes checked the usual tag locations, including the oil pan mounting rail but no dice.

Would the front solid idlers be a clue for the build year? The ones I've usually seen have the front idlers running a spoke version similar to the rear sprocket with the push arm arrangement we have? The one's I've seen with a solid front idler usually run a different blade push arm configuration.

Cheers

It’s a 1954,55,56, or 57 year, you have a toolbar setup so you could unpin the front blade and swing the arms around to attach a tool bar with different implements on it here’s a picture.

Thank you @neil and @clayton.

We've had this unit as a display for more than 30 years, and I know its run before, but its been some time. I am sure we could get it to run.

Very interesting to know about the toolbar set up; talk about a swiss army knife!

Anyone know the best way to get a stencil kit or template in which we can paint on the logos for the rear of the tank?

Also, would there be any other discernible differences between '54-'57 models that can help narrow down the year?

Cheers

Being it is your machine, scrape the paint off between the two rivets on the left side of the main engine, and hopefully you should see the stamped serial numbers in the block; same thing applies to rear left of machine at transmission case; BETWEEN the rivets, or where they might have been. Hopefully both numbers match.
That is one very nice toolbar machine! If it were mine, I would proudly display it as well. Thanks for sharing. JM

Has to be between 5U14,695 (1954) with provision for Direct Electric Start and 5U17,569 (1956) when the oil cooler went away.

Thank you @juiceman and @old magnet 

So you’re suggesting to lightly scrape off this area highlighted here?

Cheers

That is the correct area. Here is a reference photo of a late D2 like yours:
 

Once you have the serial number take a look on this site and you will have your answer.
chriscomachinery.com/antique-caterpillar-machinery/