Did a pretty heavy amount of research trying to sort build date and any configuration data I could get. Local cat dealer did make a decent attempt. Production in these days doesn’t seem to be well documented or readily available. I’m certain the information is out there I know I’m not the first or last asking these questions. I’ve seen discussions about relatively large amounts of this question even. I’m lead to believe that production of the 9u began in 1947 ending in 1959 some 26k units produced. I believe the first years had higher production numbers. I think I read 2655 units produced in 1956 in one discussion on this form. Which is about 221 units a month. My serial is 9u223 sp. I shouldn’t but I assume my unit is the 223rd unit produced leading me to believe it’s a 1947 and likely in the first month of production maybe the second. Not sure if the first month would be January either. If anyone has solid data on production or certain understanding of these production serial numbers I’d be grateful for any insight. I think it’s a d318 with 80hp and 3600 hours on the block clock. Someone loved her and seemed to care for her well. 

first time cat owner. Own a 61 Massey 35 deluxe with a Sherman power digger, couple tumble bug’s, a struck crawler and a few other rusty crusty oily girls. It’s definitely a leap up getting a cat. It has the straight blade hydraulic lift, rear pto driven hydraulic pump. Pony runs good I think and diesel fires up and runs good I think. Controls seem very smooth and handles very well. I went in thinking something this age would be far more machine feel but it surprised me to be so smooth. Nice round pins and decent life left in the sprockets no grind squeaking metal noise no binding just butter. 

I definitely intend to let the old girl play in the dirt and push rocks around no matter what. If the unit is so early I should consider restoring and preserving more though and would rather know if I have something more exclusive and should pay extra respect to her for that. I did get a dead carcass 9u missing a radiator and no attachments in the deal. Head has been opened with loose head bolts left. Definitely lots of parts and pieces if I need them. Probably not getting back on the dance floor. 

thank you for your time, patience and help. 

 

Welcome! That is a nice 9U sir. I have a few 8U and 9U here as well, three of them being 1947 also. They are smooth to operate and overall, a nice machine for ag work or dozing.
All of the pony motors start easy, but I have had my outside mechanic add direct electric start as well (for the lazy days).
This particular sized machine was/is very popular here in northern California.
What do you plan on using yours for? Fun? Work?
Tell us more please. We always love photos as well.
Thanks for sharing. JM

I have 10 acres of pretty wild land that needs a bit of attention. I’d like to widen my driveway to allow snow. I have a prominent location on one side of the property I’d like to place my huge tumble bug(pictured below) attached to the carcass as yard art and need to open up the path up to it and get the pair up there then destroy the pathway in.

I have a dirt bike track I’d like to smooth out. I have a 81 Honda odyssey that’s crazy like a bag of angel dust with no suspension that will benefit from a smooth track. Honda 200x will also with other bikes and trikes.

Neighbors have about another 200 acres that would benefit from carving a bit. Small trees could be removed to allow a more manicured land. It would also be nice to carve a fire break if necessary.

Like most of us we played with toys like this dozer and imagined actually moving earth. Certainly have a few jobs for the girl I wouldn’t want to deprive her of but playing in the dirt is on the agenda.

If she is as early as I suspect I do think it’s worth curtailing jobs and focusing on the small amounts of basic restoration. Certainly ain’t robbing her of all her lichen rust or scars she’s earned but I know she would like to show off a bit. These are pretty sex as convertibles I think with the fat boy edition seats big hood and grill.

Oddly my neighbors wife’s papaw owned the carcass in 67’ and among the set of 4 complete original books that came with had his signature on it and dated. Her mother learned to drive tractor on that very carcass, small world.

I just love rusty crusty dusty shit and if it drips oil I’m in. Old American steel like this specifically from this time period is special to me.
 

Welcome
It would appear you already suffer the disease of being addicted to rust and grease. And thank you for the pictures.

I am not sure if there is enough of a collector base to give extra value to your machine. But if you educate yourself and have patients with your machine, she is capable of getting a lot of work done and not reducing her value.😉 At least in my mind.

I see your 200x has a Hondaline speedo. Pretty rare accessory!

Love the 200x its in great condition for 40 years old. Had a few 250R trikes (ported big bore) which are very fun but on my land the x has far more manageable gearing, full suspension and 4 stroke gas keeps it fun and less brain bucket business. Didn’t know that Speedo was rare nice to know thank you for the info. I got a few ct90’s and an urban express 50 in mint.

Love Honda had to sell this girl with less than 40 miles on her not a single damaged bolt on this bike. Regret not holding on to her but it was too much bike. Oddity on this 82 was one of two 4 stokes ever made with reed valves. Reeds helped tractor out of slow climbing I guess those engineers thought. Probably win a few bets with that knowledge ain’t many 4 stokes with reed valves if you ever need a free beer
 

I think this one is 9U178. Too many serial numbers to remember here. Just sharing. JM

178👊 great looking machine. Do you know a production date or has that information evaded you? Looks like your air cleaner is located in the wheelhouse as I expected for mine but it has the air cleaner on the port side. Do you have any idea why mine would be in a custom location or different location. Thank you juice man for your help and sharing what you know

NW: Mine should be a 1947. In front of the operator is normal; I have an 8U with a dry type air cleaner poking out of the hood, which was an aftermarket kit from some locals south of me 1.5 hours. Some had the air cleaner off to the side for more room, especially if they had a cab of sorts. Not as claustrophobic perhaps? Partly being also, that the intake had to come thru the roof, so it was easier to mount outboard... The side mounted would appear on dedicated farm machines; sometimes a very tall intake pipe as well.
Glad to have you on board and letting folks see some of your iron too! Thx. JM