About a year ago, I decided I “needed” a small crawler tractor or dozer. Knowing little to nothing about what to look for and the differences between a Twenty Two, 3J, 5J, 4U or 5U........I knew of a gentleman in the area who had one of the previously mentioned at his ranch/shop and I thought that would be a good place to start. A quick visit one day and as luck would have it, he was there. He turned out to be a wealth of information and eager to share his knowledge. That day, I would learn the differences between the various models and leave with a slightly better idea of what I “needed”. Not to be confused with what I “wanted” lol 

The next few weeks, I would spend my idle time driving around rural areas convinced that there was an abandoned diamond in the rough...... hidden in a farmers weed laden field or dilapidated barn. Every trip in the car would become an opportunity to scan for a flash of oxidized yellow paint..... In the course of my travels I located a small number of machines which were spending their sunset years as driveway and office building decoration or yard art. A 2 ton, a Twenty Two, a 5U, a 4U, etc. (It should be noted that I was quite proud to use my newfound knowledge to be able to differentiate between them lol) Machines that had been repainted or semi restored... or just not in an accelerated rate of returning to the earth. The search continued.... 

One day, the garage door was open at a home I had driven past many times. Handling guard duty at the driveway entrance was a D25U tractor. My courage and curiosity blended, which led me to knock on the door. I would meet Carl, the 91yo original owner of the tractor. I explained my quest for information and asked several questions about the his D2. He would go on to tell me he was the original owner and had purchased it from the dealership in 1951. He “special ordered” it with lights, “wide gauge tracks”, electric start pony and a BeGe hydraulic pump. He would go on to explain that there has been one piece pistons which superseded the original two piece pistons. Prior to retiring from farming, he and his son had replaced the originals with the updated 1 piece variant and installed new liners, rings and bearings while it was apart.  

The tractor would get used a few more years for various Ag duties, with the primary job being the pulling of a three bottom plow which was purchased new, with the tractor. Carl and his sons would retire from farming, at which point the D2 would rest in their barn for several years before being relocated to their driveway for approximately 20 years. Having heard a great story and having had a great conversation, I thanked Carl for his time and went on with my day. 

A month or so later and no further in the process of acquiring a tractor, I would see the garage door open again. I stopped in to visit with Carl and see if he had more stories about the tractor. We visited for a while and as I was leaving, I casually said “If you every decide to sell it, would you let me know?” Without missing a beat and completely catching me off guard...he said “I’ll sell it right now!” We would talk a couple more times before agreeing on a price.

After an exchange of cash and a handwritten receipt, I was the proud second owner of a 1951 D25U. In addition to a tractor, I was given the original parts books, owners manual, original tool kit and volume lubricator that came with the machine. In the parts book were folded sheets of paper with handwritten notes detailing each time the machine was serviced.  Not owning a truck or heavy duty trailer, I was unable to transport it to the driveway of my “Stepford” neighborhood home and would drive 45 minutes to Carl’s to begin many hours of cleaning and initial replacement of necessary parts. With each day work, came more stories about the tractor. 

One day, I would return to talk the original gentleman who had provided me with a wealth of information and unknowingly inspired me to get serious about getting a machine, I told him I had secured a D2 and started initial cleaning and repair assessment. This would prompt many questions.....What did you get? Condition?, Features? Etc. Lastly......Where was it? After telling him the location...he responded with “You dog!” I know that tractor, I just never stopped to talk to them, because I didn’t think they would want to sell it!” This would lead to a lot of laughter and some good natured ribbing in the months that followed. 

My walking encyclopedia and tractor coach would quickly become a good friend and consistent inspiration, regularly checking on my progress and offering a cold water on the hottest of days. Armed with the original parts book and manual, I would embark on the following projects: new fuel filters, new oil filter, oil change, lubrication of everything, new seals on the fuel pump, new seal on the hour meter, new o-ring seals of the fuel rack (was leaking fuel into the oil), new battery cables, adjust steering clutches, and full-ish rebuild on the pony (rings, bearings, surface heads, hone cylinders, new head gaskets, crank seals, etc),new carb internals and new spark plugs. One standout memory was intending to change the air filter oil and it looking like new, with no sediment present! The pony motor carb would continue to give me fits and does, to this day. (Next project is direct start conversion)  

Carl sadly passed away this past spring, before he could see the tractor running in peak form again. I acquired the original plow from his children and look forward to putting the pair back to work in the future.  The tractor is now known in our house as “Carl” and we are looking forward to making a lifetime of new memories with it. 

 Who is coach? Well...... it would turn out to be none other than the Juiceman. I would never know of ACMOC or anything else D2 related were it not for a chance meeting with him. So to you sir, Thanks you!   

What a wonderful post! Thank you!
Craig

Breadler...hahaha. Yes, one that got away, but actually sitting here, so "possession is 9/10's of the law?" I will admit, I never expected anyone to find this D-2, as it was parked in a remote area south of me; by chance one day I had driven by it on my way to transport a nice D6B 37A. I made a mental note to go back one day and inquire, but alas, the guy with the dough scooped it up, right out from under me! That's okay, I don't need to be known as a hoarder of old tractors. Speaking of which, "Breadler" in short time has elevated himself to "Hoarder" status! I think he has the tractor bug!
Quite pleased with the progress made with this tractor. I have seen it operating and the BIG grin. Not sure if its because it is a good runner or someone is gloating about getting one on the Juiceman! Glad to be of service to a fellow (new) member...
Very nice write up; worthy enough to be part of a future issue of the magazine! More pictures for everyone please?
Thank you for being part of a fun club. JM

Glad to see the hoarders don't get them all. 🤣

Thanks for sharing the story of "Carl"

"H" word...Oh Ray54, I get no sympathy from anyone here. I hoped someone would feel sorry for me, but I sense everyone is cheering the new guy on! LOL
Honestly, I am very happy that someone else besides ME, got a very clean little D2 to add to their stash. I had better be nice to Breadler, as I have been tempted to magically start it up and take it for a few laps around the property here.
I might have to pacify myself and buy another toy to play with.
Very nice story of "Carl". Hope to see more threads and possibly articles for the magazine from Breadler. JM

What a great story. We have a 22 that was a similar find, original parts book and operators instructions, tool kit and what not. You have a very special find. I’m sure the family is so happy to see it get another life. Welcome to the club! Oh, and don’t worry, the “hoarding” aspect will come soon enough. Once bitten by the bug, it’s all over from there.