The story
Caterpillar introduced the D2 in 1938 as the smallest diesel crawler in its range, aimed mainly at farms that wanted diesel economy in a machine able to pull three or four ploughs. It was built at Peoria, Illinois, in narrow and wide track gauges, coded 3J and 5J.
The diesel was started by a small petrol pony engine. In 1947 the U series took over, with the larger D311 engine and 4U and 5U codes for the two gauges, and power was raised again after 1953.
Production stopped in 1957. Serial number records point to about 19,200 J series and 26,500 U series tractors, roughly 45,600 in all, and many survive with collectors and museums.
No Caterpillar D2 listings yet. Dealers and private sellers will be able to list them here soon.
Selling one?Nebraska tractor test
| Test number | 553 |
| Year tested | 1955 |
Belt 41.86 hp. Other tests of this model: 322 (1939, J series) and 418 (1949, U series). Measured figures will be added from the original report.
