John Deere Serial Number Lookup: Where to Find It and How to Read It
Your serial number decides which parts fit. Here is where to find it on every type of John Deere, how to read it, and what to do if the plate is missing.
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Why the Serial Number Matters for Parts
John Deere often changes parts partway through a model’s production run. Two tractors with the same model name can need different water pumps, hydraulic parts or deck spindles depending on when they were built. The point where a part changes is called a serial number break, and it is the most common reason people order the wrong part online.
With your serial number we can look up the exact part for your machine instead of guessing from the model name.
Where to Find the Serial Number on a John Deere
| Machine type | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Lawn tractors (LT, L, D, E, X series) | Under the seat, usually on the left side of the frame near the left rear tire, or on the frame near the rear axle |
| Zero-turn mowers (Z-Track) | On the frame tube between the rear wheels |
| Compact utility tractors (1 to 4 Series) | On the right side of the frame above the front axle |
| Utility and row-crop tractors (5 Series and up) | Usually on the right side of the frame |
| Vintage tractors | Varies by model. Look for a riveted plate on the transmission case or frame, or send us a photo |
The plate may also show the model number. If paint, rust or a missing plate makes it unreadable, send us a photo of the tractor and the area where the plate should be and we can often identify it.
How to Read a John Deere PIN
Modern John Deere machines use a 17-character product identification number (PIN). In that format the first characters identify the factory, the next group identifies the model, and the 10th character is a year code. The year code skips the letters I, O, Q, U and Z, and it can be one year off from the model year, because production of a new model year often starts the year before.
Older machines use shorter serial numbers that follow different patterns by model. We can decode those for you.
Example: John Deere 4020 Serial Numbers by Year
For vintage tractors the serial number tells you the build year. These are the published 4020 ranges:
- 1964: 65000 to 90999
- 1965: 91000 to 118999
- 1966: 119000 to 145659
- 1967: 145660 to 173981
- 1968: 173982 to 200999
- 1969: 201000 to 222159
- 1970: 222160 to 249999
- 1971: 250000 to 260790
- 1972: 260791 and up
See our John Deere 4020 parts page for parts by serial range.
Found Your Serial Number? Get the Right Part
Call +1 (833) 368-6811 with your model and serial number and the part you need. We look it up, check for superseded numbers, and quote genuine, aftermarket or used options.
Quick Checklist Before You Order
Have these ready and your order takes one call.
- Model number, for example LT166, 1025R or 4020.
- Serial number or PIN from the plate.
- Old part number if it is readable on the part.
- A photo of the part if you are not sure what it is called.
How to Order in 3 Steps
- Call +1 (833) 368-6811 with your tractor make, model and serial number (it is on the ID plate, usually on the dash, frame or transmission housing).
- Tell us the part or send the old part number. If you only have a photo or a description, that works too.
- Get your quote. We confirm fit, give you the price with no shipping surprises, and you pay through a secure payment link. In-stock parts ordered by 2pm EST ship the same day.
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Common Questions
On most John Deere lawn tractors the serial tag is under the seat, usually on the left side of the frame near the left rear tire, or on the frame near the rear axle.
On John Deere compact utility tractors, the 1 to 4 Series, it is on the right side of the frame above the front axle.
On a 17-character PIN, the 10th character is the year code. On older tractors, the serial number falls in a published range for each year. Call us and we can decode it for you.
Send us photos of the tractor and the part. We can often identify the model and the right part from visual features and casting numbers.
No. The engine has its own serial number. For most parts we need the tractor serial number, but for engine parts the engine serial number helps too.
Have your serial number? Get the exact part in one call.
John Deere is a trademark of Deere & Company. TractorPartOnline is an independent parts supplier and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Deere & Company. Model names and part numbers are used for identification only.