Tracking the Legacy of a CAT D9G with Serial Number 66A10459

[MikePhua]

The Caterpillar D9G with serial number 66A10459, reportedly located in the Jackson–Bentonia region of Mississippi, represents a significant chapter in the evolution of heavy dozers. Equipped with a V-blade and KG (Koehring) blade setup, this machine reflects the robust engineering of mid-20th-century earthmoving equipment and the challenges of tracing ownership in the secondary market.
Development History and Model Significance
The D9G was introduced by Caterpillar in the early 1960s as an upgrade to the D9E, featuring a turbocharged D353 engine producing approximately 385 horsepower. It was designed for mining, land clearing, and large-scale construction. The G-series marked a turning point in dozer design, integrating improved hydraulics, heavier frames, and enhanced operator ergonomics.
The 66A serial prefix identifies the unit as part of the original D9G production run, manufactured in Peoria, Illinois. These machines were widely deployed across North America, Australia, and the Middle East, often customized with brush rakes, winches, or KG blades for forestry and land reclamation.
Terminology and Blade Configuration

• V-Blade: A fixed-angle blade shaped like a shallow “V,” ideal for pushing large volumes of loose material or clearing brush. It reduces side spillage and improves penetration.
  
• KG Blade: A specialized tree pusher blade developed by Koehring, used for land clearing. It features vertical ribs and reinforced corners to shear off stumps and small trees.
  
• Serial Number (SN): A unique identifier stamped on the frame or engine block, used for tracking production, parts compatibility, and ownership history.
  
• Broker Package Sale: A bundled equipment sale where components (e.g., blade and dozer) are sold together, often limiting buyer flexibility.
  

Ownership Challenges and Locator Strategies
Locating the current owner of a legacy machine like the D9G requires persistence and a multi-pronged approach:

• Contact regional Caterpillar dealerships with the serial number. While privacy laws restrict disclosure, service departments may confirm past maintenance or resale records.
  
• Search state equipment registries or auction databases for prior listings.
  
• Use satellite imagery and local contractor networks to identify active machines in the area.
  
• Check forestry and land clearing companies in the Jackson–Bentonia corridor, where KG blades are commonly used.
  

In one case, a land clearing contractor in Arkansas traced a D9G through a retired operator who had serviced the unit in the 1980s. The machine had passed through three owners and was eventually found in a salvage yard, still bearing its original blade setup.
Negotiation and Equipment Bundling Issues
The reported sale of the D9G as a package—with no option to separate the blade—reflects a common broker strategy to maximize commission. Buyers seeking only the blade may face inflated pricing or forced bundling. To navigate this:

• Request written confirmation of sale terms and blade condition.
  
• Offer a premium for blade-only purchase, citing transport and resale costs.
  
• Engage directly with the seller, bypassing brokers when possible.
  
• Document all communications, especially if discrepancies arise between listings and verbal claims.
  

Conclusion
The CAT D9G with serial number 66A10459 is more than a machine—it’s a piece of earthmoving history. Tracing its ownership and negotiating for components like the V-blade or KG blade requires technical knowledge, local insight, and strategic communication. For collectors, contractors, or restoration enthusiasts, the pursuit of such a machine is both a logistical challenge and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Caterpillar’s engineering.