Cat D9D 18A

Started life working on Oroville Dam construction. Then Lundberg Farms in Richvale bought it and several and several others. They removed dozer, ccu belly pan to reduce weight and derated engine. Their Rice farming was basically D9 powered, until new fresh out of college farm manager said you cannot farm with these. Out of the 7 remaining D9s only mine and one other survived as running tractors. others scrap or smog.

There were 3 that went to BarNone Auction several years ago that were destined for scrap. Our friend Glen Ghilotti bought them plus the spare parts. His crew patched them back together, started them up and drove them onto the trailers. As far as I know, they are still part of his estate. Quite a piece of history you have there.

One of the Lundberg brothers used a Cadillac El Dorado for his farm vehicle. Quite a sight to see him with a dog in the front seat, and the trunk lid opened up hauling large items that belonged in a pickup truck or flatbed. Farming with class! JM

Do you know of any 18A parts machines? I would love to find a Cat no. 9 ripper for my 18A...

No, most D9 18a locally has Ateco rippers. Wasn't till the 66a D9g came out, that Cat rippers became popular

I'd be okay with aftermarket if it bolted right on. Know of any that might be for sale?

I think you might be able to expand your search to other than Cat 18a machines. But then again maybe not.

As I know of ripper from a AC HD 16 bolting right up to early D7 E. So I suspect there is some commonality between brands. But after those thoughts the D9 was the big dog of its time. So would a ATECO ripper off TD 25 or HD 21 be big enough. But if you come across something else a tape measure would tell the story.

it appears that most D9 Ateco rippers pulled mounting studs out of case so are welded to case. My 19a is welded to case and ripper bent to point of being junk. A friend just bought a 18a with ateco welded to case, which might be for sale. But probable price and shipping would be prohibitive. I do not think D9 bolt pattern is compatible with other brands.

72 RN, have you purchased any rippers so far? I recall you searching for some time here. JM

I have not been able to find one yet.

Shipping wouldn't be a problem as I could just come pick it up.

Here is an Ateco that is not welded to the case. I would bet you would need to buy the whole machine to get it. It has not been started in years but a couple a days ago i thought about taking a battery down and seeing if the starting engine would roll over.