As an owner of a John Deere backhoe loader or wheel loader who prefers to manage your own repairs and maintenance, knowing the machine’s serial number (VIN) and year of manufacture is essential. This guide helps DIY‑minded operators quickly locate and decode these identifiers to ensure accurate parts ordering, correct service manual use, and sound resale valuation.
Why the Serial Number and Year Matter
- Ensures correct parts that match your specific model year
- Supports accurate maintenance intervals and service documentation
- Crucial for registration, warranty and resale tracking
Understanding John Deere Serial Formats
John Deere machines use either:
- 5 or 6 digit serial number for pre 1970's equipment
- 13‑digit VINs on older equipment
- 17‑digit VINs on newer units, where the 10th character indicates the production year
Backhoe Loader Serial Number Locations
Common placement sites include:
- A metal tag above the front left axle
- On older models, mounted on the right frame between boom swing and stabilizer pivots
Wheel Loader Serial Number Locations
Typical VIN plate placements:
- Under the cab lip attached to the main frame
- On modern loaders, near the right rear counterweight or hydraulic access panel
- Riveted or stamped and may appear inside cab door frames
Machine VIN vs Engine Serial Number
Only use the VIN plate for parts, service and model year identification. Engine serial numbers, stamped on the engine block, are applicable only to engine-specific service.
How To Decode Your John Deere Serial Number
Modern machines use a 13-17 digit Product Identification Number (PIN). Here’s what it breaks down to:
- Digits 1-3: WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) code
- Digits 4-8: Model identification
- Digit 9: Check digit
- Digit 10: Year code
- Digit 11: Factory code
- Digits 12-17: Unique serial number
Older models typically have 5-7 digit serial numbers without factory/model info.
PIN vs. VIN: What’s the Difference?
On John Deere equipment, the Product Identification Number (PIN) is the official terminology stamped or labeled on your machine. When the PIN is a 17-character code, it also meets universal VIN standards, making it both a PIN and a VIN. These are just different names used in different contexts. Knowing the difference now will help prevent confusion later.
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PIN (Product Identification Number):
- A term officially used by John Deere for identifying equipment.
- Typically appears on the manufacturer's label with "PIN" or "Product Identification Number" followed by a full alphanumeric code.
-
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):
- A broader, industry-wide term used for vehicles and off-road machinery.
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For John Deere, a 17-digit PIN that follows the standardized VIN format qualifies as both a PIN and a VIN.
How to Decode the Year From Your Serial Number
For 17-digit VINs, use the 10th character to determine the model year with this table:
| 10th Digit: | Model Year: |
| A | 2010 |
| B | 2011 |
| C | 2012 |
| D | 2013 |
| E | 2014 |
| F | 2015 |
| G | 2016 |
| H | 2017 |
| J | 2018 |
| K | 2019 |
| L | 2020 |
| M | 2021 |
| N | 2022 |
| P | 2023 |
| R | 2024 |
| S | 2025 |
What About Older 13-Digit or Shorter Serial Numbers?
13-digit serial numbers do not include a character that consistently represents the model year. Units built in the 1960s and 1970s may have only five or six letters or numbers.
To determine the year, consult:
- John Deere model-specific serial number range charts
- Operator manuals or dealer service records
- Trusted reference databases
Still Can't Find the VIN Plate?
- Clean frame surfaces with degreaser and cloth
- Use flashlight and mirror in tight or shaded zones
- Examine multiple common mounting areas such as axle frames, cab entry, counterweight and hydraulic covers
Need Parts?
Once you've confirmed your model and year using the VIN, finding compatible parts is simple.
Shop Our Aftermarket John Deere Parts Collection.
Use our advanced search bar to find parts for your John Deere Backhoe Loader or Wheel Loader fast by searching directly for your part number.
Conclusion
Locating and decoding the VIN on your John Deere backhoe loader or wheel loader ensures accurate repairs, parts replacement, and machine documentation. Record or photograph your VIN for easy future reference.
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FAQs
Q: Where is the VIN on a John Deere backhoe loader?
A: Most commonly, it’s located above the front left axle on a metal tag. On older models, check the right-hand frame near the boom swing or stabilizer.
Q: How do I find the year of my backhoe or wheel loader?
A: If your machine has a 17-digit VIN, the 10th character indicates the year. Use the decoding table in this article. For older models, use model-specific serial number charts.
Q: My serial number is short or only has 13 digits. How do I decode the year?
A: 13-digit and shorter serial numbers do not contain a standardized year code. Refer to model-specific serial range charts or contact a John Deere dealer for assistance.
Q: Can I use the engine number to identify my machine’s year?
A: No. The engine serial number is separate and only relevant for engine-specific service. Use the VIN plate on the frame for accurate machine identification.
Q: What if I can’t find the VIN plate on my wheel loader?
A: Clean areas near the cab, counterweight, and hydraulic access panel. Use a flashlight and mirror for tight spots. If the tag is missing, contact a dealer with your model info.