Newbe Here with Questions

Hi I just signup here and about to acquire a 1953? D8 dozer from a really good friend, I would like to know the following information? Here is the SN: 2U17820 is it a 1953? I'm new to this machine,, I drove heavy equipment for years.. I would love to know as much as I can about this machine.. Here's a couple of pics thanks for all the input.. href="http://s965.photobucket.com/user/lukej1/media/image_zpscb0cc9dy.jpeg.html" target="_blank">[/URL]