Could you arrange a pull start? Is there another crawler around with the gumption to give this one a pull? You will have to get the bucket off the ground but that isn't the end of the world to do. Otherwise, slog thru the explanation below about trying to start it the civilized way:
A quick look on the 'net shows a new offshore starter at around US$370 (Rareelectrical.com, out of Raleigh, NC. (no connection; just bought a starter from them for my Timberjack once--decent price) A kind soul (like Nige, maybe!) could give you a part number for the exact starter if you chose to buy a new one. Otherwise, if you can find used you probably need to know the engine model because I believe Cat changed the models in around your serial number...
Not sure about the batteries you would use-two of 4D or 8D? (for 24V) 8D batteries are about $500 each, new in Illinois. Oooch!! Not sure how small a battery pair you could use for an initial try. You might find used batteries somewhere and even a used starter that could be tested out to at least work. This could be a real shztshow if you spent the money and found the old girl would NOT start. Whaddaya do with the 2 batteries and a new starter?
Maybe FIRST see if you can get at the front of the engine to get a wrench on the crankshaft to see if it is at least free-turning and can do at least 2 full turns to see if there aren't any con rods broke or valves dropped or water in the engine. If not the front, maybe the back of the engine--some of the cats had a short driveshaft from the engine to the transmission.
If it were me with this "gift" staring me in the face, I would:
0. See what the really smart guys on this forum have to say.
1. do the engine turning test before anything else physical on the machine.
2. pull the starter and get it tested; fix if relatively simple (cheap) fixes over buying a new starter.
3. Find a good used starter if the one off the machine is fried.
4. Buy a new offshore starter if you can't find a decent used one at the price you want.
5. Batteries: Beg, borrow or steal batteries to make up a 24V source with lots of amps. I would get big pickup batteries, especially if you have a pickup, so if the whole issue was crap I would at least have a couple of batteries I could use OR easily resell. Or put the glad hand on a friend who can loan you a couple of decent batteries.
6. Find a little bit of ether.
7. If you made it to this line you have an engine that turns; got a starter you know works; and batteries with enough Oomph to turn over the whole mess; and a little bit of ether helper. Show time!
8. Don't pour the ether to it--little sniffs will do... (ask me how I know!!)
Your mileage may vary...and smart guys will probably tell me I have my head up my....backside...
Photos and the story or it didn't happen!!
Jon.