How to find tractor serial numbers:
TractorData.com lists tractor serial numbers under the individual model. Use the menu at the left to select your tractor manufacturer and model, the serial number list will be on the tractor's data page.
How to read a tractor serial number list:
Tractor serial number lists nearly always show the first tractor built in each year. The other tractors for that year will have successively higher numbers. Your serial number should lie between two of the stated numbers.
Example serial number list:
Year
Number
1980
501
1981
879
<<< 900
1982
1034
1983
2103
Example: if your serial number is 900, then your tractor was built in 1981.
The list only shows the number from the first tractor built in each year. Unless you happen to have the first first tractor off the production line, then your particular number will not be on the list. Your number will lie between two listed numbers.
Deere 2640 tractor and engine serial numbersFind the REAL serial number
There are usually a lot of different numbers on a tractor. The engine, front axle, and cab may all have their own serial numbers. Various components may have parts or casting numbers. Make sure you have actually found the tractor serial number, and not one of these other numbers.
Model years versus calendar years
Tractors, just like automobiles, are manufactured on a model or production year. The new production year usually starts around September. A tractor built in October of 1955 would have been considered a "1956" model. Serial number lists almost always show the production year, not the actual calendar year the tractor was built. This information is generally more useful, because major changes would have been made to a model at the start of the production year, not on January 1.
Read the number carefully
On older tractors, the serial number plate has often faded. Make sure you do not confuse a 7 for a 1. Also, ensure you have read the entire number.
If the plate has faded very badly, try making a rubbing of the imprint. Place a piece of tissue paper over the plate and rub gently with charcoal or a pencil. Another method is to color the number with a marker and then quickly wipe it off, hoping to leave ink in the stamping. Some people have found that they can read the number off the back side of the plate
A serial number is not a tractor's life story
In general, you cannot determine anything but the year from the serial number of an older tractor. You cannot find the exact date of construction, original dealer, or previous owners. Your best chance at finding your tractor's history is to talk to the person you purchased it from. Find out who they bought it from. If you're lucky you may be able to trace it back to the original buyer and the original dealer. If you are really lucky, that dealer would still be around and have records of the sale. There are couple of exceptions...
