Is Killdozer in a Museum? The Truth Behind the Infamous Bulldozer

If you're searching for answers about the infamous Killdozer and whether it's preserved in a museum, you're not alone. This heavily armored machine used in a destructive rampage through Granby, Colorado, has intrigued people for two decades. The idea of seeing this hulking bulldozer in a museum might sound like something out of a dystopian movie—but is it actually on display anywhere?

The short and definitive answer is: No, the original Killdozer is not in a museum.

What Exactly Was the Killdozer?

The term "Killdozer" refers to a modified Komatsu D355A bulldozer used by Marvin Heemeyer in 2004. A skilled welder and muffler shop owner, Heemeyer spent over a year secretly modifying the machine inside his workshop. He reinforced the cab with half-inch steel plates and concrete, installed onboard surveillance cameras for navigation, and created a self-contained, fortified vehicle that law enforcement would later describe as “a tank.”

On June 4, 2004, Heemeyer unleashed the machine on Granby, demolishing town buildings, a concrete plant, the town hall, and other structures tied to what he viewed as corrupt local government and business interests. All told, he destroyed or damaged 13 buildings and caused an estimated $7 million in damage.

Amazingly, no one but Heemeyer was killed in the incident. After the vehicle became stuck in a hardware store's basement, he ended the rampage by taking his own life.

What Happened to the Killdozer After the Rampage?

After the rampage, local authorities made a calculated decision: the Killdozer was dismantled and destroyed. Pieces were reportedly cut up and distributed to several undisclosed locations to ensure that the machine could not become a shrine, a symbol of rebellion, or an object of curiosity.

The choice to destroy it wasn’t just about public safety—it was also political. Authorities feared that putting the vehicle on display would encourage extremist ideologies or glorify violence against institutions. For this reason, you won’t find the Killdozer in any military, transportation, or history museum—nor will you find any parts of it made available to collectors or the public.

Why Isn't the Killdozer in a Museum?

There are multiple reasons the Killdozer is not preserved as a museum artifact:

1. The Controversy Surrounding Its Legacy

While some people see Marvin Heemeyer as a vigilante standing up to local government corruption, others see him as a domestic terrorist who risked lives and caused massive property damage. Most museums avoid displaying artifacts that could be interpreted as glorifying violence.

2. Public Safety and Political Concerns

Given the intense online following that has built up around the Killdozer story—some of it sympathetic to Heemeyer—officials made an early decision to eliminate the possibility of turning the vehicle into a symbol for anti-government sentiment.

3. Legal and Ethical Challenges

Housing a weaponized, militarized vehicle used in a civilian attack would raise significant ethical questions for curators and legal concerns for city officials and museum boards.

Are There Any Killdozer Replicas or Exhibits?

Although the original Killdozer was destroyed, replicas and scale models have appeared at certain private events and in YouTube videos. Some creators have built detailed recreations of the machine to display its engineering and complexity. However, these are not housed in any official or public museum, nor are they endorsed by major historical institutions.

Additionally, some online forums and social media groups share detailed blueprints, timelines, and photos of the Killdozer’s creation and destruction. This digital preservation is the closest anyone will come to experiencing the real machine today.

Is There a Documentary About the Killdozer?

Yes—if you want to learn more, check out the 2020 documentary Tread, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival. It covers the entire saga, including Heemeyer’s background, the community conflict that escalated, and the dramatic final moments of the rampage. The film does not glamorize Heemeyer, but instead aims to understand what drove a small-town business owner to take such extreme measures.

Did the Killdozer Inspire Any Cultural References?

Over the years, the Killdozer incident has inspired books, memes, social media debates, and even conspiracy theories. It’s frequently cited in discussions about government overreach, property rights, and vigilante justice.

While it has not been adopted into mainstream pop culture in the same way as other infamous crimes, it remains a frequently searched and discussed topic, especially on platforms like Reddit and YouTube.

Final Thoughts: A Machine of Infamy, Not a Museum Piece

The Killdozer may never be on display in a museum—but its legend endures. Whether seen as a cautionary tale of unchecked anger or a symbol of rebellion, the bulldozer Marvin Heemeyer created has become a permanent fixture in internet lore and modern American folklore.

However, due to its violent origins and controversial symbolism, you will not find the Killdozer in any official museum—and likely never will.

FAQs

Q: Can I visit the original Killdozer?
A: No. The machine was destroyed and dismantled. It does not exist in any displayable form.

Q: Are any parts of the Killdozer in private collections?
A: There are no verified reports of any original parts in private hands. All materials were intentionally destroyed.

Q: Are there any exhibits or museums that mention the Killdozer?
A: Some online exhibits, documentaries, and fan-created content discuss the Killdozer, but no official museum features it as of now.

Q: Why is it called the “Killdozer”?
A: The nickname was given by the media and internet users after the incident, even though no one but Heemeyer was killed.