If you own a John Deere skid steer or excavator and handle your own repairs or maintenance, one of the first things you'll need is the serial number and year of manufacture. These identifiers are critical when ordering the right parts, accessing service manuals, or verifying your machine’s resale value.
This guide is designed for DIYers and small business equipment operators who want clear, practical steps to locate these identifiers on their own machines.
Why the Serial Number and Year Matter
- Accurate parts ordering: Many parts are model-year specific.
- Maintenance and service compatibility: Ensure correct intervals and replacement specs.
- Resale and registration: VINs validate equipment details for buyers and insurance.
John Deere Serial Number Format Overview
John Deere equipment typically uses either:
- 13-digit serial numbers (older models): Example: KV0270B270522
- 17-digit VINs (modern machines): Example: 1T0333EKCEE255680 or 1FF085DXPA0016885
- 5 or 6 digit serial number (pre 1970)
In 17-Digit VINs, the 10th character often indicates the production year, using a standardized VIN system.
John Deere Skid Steer Serial Number Locations
Older Models (Pre-2000s)
Look up high on the right side of the ROPS (Roll Over Protection Structure). The VIN plate is typically metal and may require cleaning to read clearly.
Mid-2000s Models
The plate is inside the cab, on the right-side vertical support pillar, near the operator’s right knee.
2010 and Newer Models
You'll find the VIN plate on the right (curbside) of the machine, just behind the operator’s cage.
Tip: The last 6 digits may also be stamped into the metal near the plate for extra visibility.
John Deere Excavator Serial Number Locations
The VIN plate on John Deere excavators follows similar placement as other major brands like Case and Caterpillar:
- On the machine’s curbside frame
- Near or on the main boom pivot point or engine compartment
- On G-Series excavators and beyond, often near the cab pillar or engine housing
Avoid Confusion: Machine VIN vs. Engine Serial Number
A common mistake is confusing the engine serial number with the machine VIN. Here’s the key difference:
- Machine Serial Number (VIN): Found on the frame or machine body. This is the number used for identifying model, year, and part compatibility.
- Engine Serial Number: Stamped directly on the engine block. Used only for engine-specific repairs.
Always use the VIN or serial number plate for maintenance and part identification.
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.
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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
Can’t Find the VIN Plate? Try These Tips
- Use a degreaser and shop towel to clean the suspected area.
- Bring a flashlight or mirror to inspect tight spaces.
- If the plate is unreadable, look for stamped digits in nearby metal sections.
Need Replacement Parts? Here’s Where to Start
Once you’ve found your serial number and year, finding parts is easy.
Shop Our Aftermarket John Deere Parts Collection.
Our collection includes aftermarket parts for John Deere excavators, skid steers, and much more. Perfect for DIYers who want to get the job done without dealership markups.
Conclusion
Taking a few minutes to locate your John Deere equipment’s serial number and model year can save you hours of frustration and hundreds of dollars in incorrect part orders. Be sure to record your VIN in your manual or take a photo for easy future reference.
After you've used this guide to find the serial number on your John Deere excavator or skid steer, browse Parts Online for aftermarket parts and get the parts you need, fast.
FAQs
Q: Where is the serial number on a John Deere skid steer?
A: Usually on the right side of the machine, just behind the cab on the frame. Older models may have it inside the cab near the operator’s seat.
Q: Where is the serial number on a John Deere excavator?
A: Typically on the curbside frame near the boom pivot or engine bay. Some models have it near the cab or hydraulic compartment.
Q: What’s the difference between a PIN and a VIN?
A: John Deere uses PIN (Product Identification Number) as the official term. If it’s 17 digits, it also functions as a standard VIN for decoding the year and model.
Q: How do I tell what year my machine is from?
A: If you have a 17-digit PIN, the 10th character reveals the model year. Use the decoding table in this guide.
Q: What if my serial number is only 13 digits or shorter?
A: Older machines don’t encode the year in a specific digit. Use a John Deere serial number range chart or contact a dealer with your full serial number.
Q: Can I use the engine number instead?
A: No. Always use the machine’s frame-mounted serial number (PIN) for accurate model and year identification.
Q: What if the serial plate is missing or unreadable?
A: Check for stamped numbers on the frame. Otherwise, refer to manuals, service records, or contact a John Deere dealer.