If you’re a John Deere tractor owner who prefers doing your own maintenance and repairs, knowing how to find your tractor’s serial number and determine its manufacturing year is essential. Whether you're sourcing parts, checking service compatibility, or verifying resale value, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Your John Deere Tractor Serial Number Matters
Your tractor’s serial number is more than just a number, it’s the key to:
- Identifying the exact model and production year.
- Ensuring you order the right replacement parts.
- Tracking service history and warranty records.
- Boosting resale accuracy.
Common Serial Number Locations on John Deere Tractors
Depending on your tractor's model and age, the serial number plate may be located in different spots. Here’s where to look:
Older Two-Cylinder Tractors (Pre-1960s)
For models like the iconic John Deere Model A, check the torque tube under the sediment bowl on the left-hand side of the engine. These plates are usually riveted and stamped with a short serial number.
Classic 40, 50, 60, and 70 Series
Look on the right-hand side of the tractor frame just below the engine block. This location is common across most John Deere utility and row-crop tractors from the mid-20th century.
Lawn and Riding Tractors
For smaller models, check:
- Under the seat
- Near the front left wheel
- Inside frame rails near the rear axle or PTO
These are often sticker-type plates or engraved metal plates.
Compact and Utility Tractors (Modern Series)
Check the right-hand frame near the engine or behind front loader brackets. For some models, you might need to remove attachments or brackets to locate the plate.
Avoid Confusion: Tractor Serial Number vs. Engine Serial Number
It’s important to note that your John Deere tractor may have multiple serial numbers, including one on the engine. The engine serial number is not the same as the tractor’s serial number and should not be used when trying to identify the model year or order replacement tractor parts.
- Tractor Serial Number (also known as Product Identification Number - PIN): This is the main number used to identify your tractor’s model, year, and production sequence.
- Engine Serial Number: Located directly on the engine block, this identifies the engine itself, which may have been used across several different tractor models.
When in doubt, always reference the serial number found on the frame or plate location outlined in this guide, not the number stamped into the engine block.
How To Decode Your John Deere Tractor Serial Number
Modern tractors 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
Tips for Cleaning and Reading Faded Serial Plates
If your serial plate is rusty, oily, or hard to read:
- Use a flashlight and a non-abrasive cleaner like degreaser.
- Avoid sanding or scraping.
- Try the chalk or pencil rubbing trick to highlight faint numbers.
What If You Can’t Find Your Serial Number?
- Check your owner’s manual or old service records.
- Look on the tractor title or bill of sale.
- Call your local John Deere dealer with your model details for help.
When You’re Ready to Repair or Maintain Your Tractor
Once you know your tractor’s model and year, finding parts becomes easy. For affordable, high-quality aftermarket John Deere parts, check out our collection:
Shop Our Aftermarket John Deere Parts Collection.
We stock parts compatible with classic and modern models, all designed for DIY owners like you who take pride in maintaining their own machines.
Conclusion
Finding your John Deere tractor’s serial number and year doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right knowledge and a little detective work, you’ll be set for smarter repairs, accurate ordering, and long-term tractor health.
This free guide from the team here at Parts Online is here to help you with your day to day grind. Bookmark it so you're always prepared when it’s time to get your hands dirty. We're also proud to provide high-quality aftermarket parts for your John Deere equipment. Shop today and take advantage our great prices, fast shipping, and expert support.
FAQs
Q: Where is the serial number located on an older John Deere tractor?
A: On older John Deere tractors such as the Model A, the serial number is typically located on the torque tube under the sediment bowl, on the left-hand side of the engine.
Q: How can I tell the year of my John Deere tractor using the serial number?
A: If your tractor has a 17-digit VIN, the 10th character indicates the model year. Use the decoding table provided in this guide. For older serial numbers, refer to model-specific serial number range charts.
Q: My serial number is only 6 digits. Can I still find the year?
A: Yes. Many tractors built in the 1960s and 1970s have 5–6 character serial numbers. You'll need to match the number with a model-specific production year chart.
Q: Is the engine serial number the same as the tractor’s VIN?
A: No. The engine serial number only applies to the motor. Always use the frame-mounted tractor serial number (VIN) when identifying the machine.
Q: What if my serial plate is missing or unreadable?
A: Check your owner’s manual, service records, or bill of sale. You can also contact your local John Deere dealer with your model and description to help identify the year.