Reply to Old Magnet:
Tractor is a 1952 model with D315 engine.
SFG is a new one on me but I suspect it has to do with special gearing in the transmission.
I've never seen SFG stamped on any Cat, but there's always something new to catch you out.
"SP" after the S/N indicates "Special Parts" that are installed on the assembly line. These were usually options or attachments such as lighting options, batteries and heavy duty generators, optional transmissions, and a range of other items too long to list.
The "SP" designation was discontinued in Dec 1946 for all factory-fitted options and attachments, except for special transmission and final drive gearing.
However, Caterpillar warned that the absence of "SP" as a S/N suffix after Dec 1946 was no indication that the tractor was a standard tractor, and it still could have "special parts" fitted.
"SPC-G" stamped on the upper right rear face of the steering clutch housing, on D8's, D7's and D6's of the 1940's and early 1950's, indicated "special low or high speed transmission gears".
This meant that a standard transmission could have optional gear groups installed, but there was no other markings to indicate such.
The transmissions with these gears fitted did not have any special part numbers or other markings to indicate the gear speed alterations, thus the markings on the steering clutch case were to warn repairers about them.
(SPC-G info - Service Magazine dated Feb 19, 1940).