John Deere has been producing lawn mowers since the early 1960s, and their machines are known for their power, durability and longevity. If you own a John Deere riding mower, chances are you want to know how old it is. Fortunately, it's easy to tell the year of a John Deere riding lawn mower.
Check the Serial Number
The serial number on your John Deere riding mower will tell you the year it was manufactured. The serial number is usually located on a tag somewhere on the frame. It may also be found under the seat or on the engine block. Once you’ve located the serial number, use the chart below to determine the year your mower was made.
John Deere Riding Mower Serial Number Year Chart
The following chart will help you determine the year your John Deere riding mower was made based on the serial number.
- Serial numbers that begin with “1” were manufactured in 1981.
- Serial numbers that begin with “2” were manufactured in 1982.
- Serial numbers that begin with “3” were manufactured in 1983.
- Serial numbers that begin with “4” were manufactured in 1984.
- Serial numbers that begin with “5” were manufactured in 1985.
- Serial numbers that begin with “6” were manufactured in 1986.
- Serial numbers that begin with “7” were manufactured in 1987.
- Serial numbers that begin with “8” were manufactured in 1988.
- Serial numbers that begin with “9” were manufactured in 1989.
- Serial numbers that begin with “A” were manufactured in 1990.
- Serial numbers that begin with “B” were manufactured in 1991.
- Serial numbers that begin with “C” were manufactured in 1992.
- Serial numbers that begin with “D” were manufactured in 1993.
- Serial numbers that begin with “E” were manufactured in 1994.
- Serial numbers that begin with “F” were manufactured in 1995.
- Serial numbers that begin with “G” were manufactured in 1996.
- Serial numbers that begin with “H” were manufactured in 1997.
- Serial numbers that begin with “J” were manufactured in 1998.
- Serial numbers that begin with “K” were manufactured in 1999.
- Serial numbers that begin with “L” were manufactured in 2000.
- Serial numbers that begin with “M” were manufactured in 2001.
- Serial numbers that begin with “N” were manufactured in 2002.
- Serial numbers that begin with “P” were manufactured in 2003.
- Serial numbers that begin with “R” were manufactured in 2004.
- Serial numbers that begin with “S” were manufactured in 2005.
- Serial numbers that begin with “T” were manufactured in 2006.
- Serial numbers that begin with “V” were manufactured in 2007.
- Serial numbers that begin with “W” were manufactured in 2008.
- Serial numbers that begin with “X” were manufactured in 2009.
- Serial numbers that begin with “Y” were manufactured in 2010.
- Serial numbers that begin with “Z” were manufactured in 2011.
Check the Owner’s Manual
If you don’t have the serial number of your John Deere riding mower, you can also check the owner’s manual. The manual should have a section somewhere indicating the year of manufacture of your mower. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can usually find a digital version online.
Contact John Deere
If you still can’t find the year of manufacture for your John Deere riding mower, you can always contact the company directly. John Deere customer service can usually provide you with the information you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the serial number of my John Deere riding mower?
The serial number of your John Deere riding mower is usually located on a tag somewhere on the frame. It may also be found under the seat or on the engine block.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower is a 1981 model?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “1”, then it was manufactured in 1981.
What if I don’t have the owner’s manual for my John Deere riding mower?
If you don’t have the owner’s manual for your John Deere riding mower, you can usually find a digital version online.
How do I contact John Deere customer service?
You can contact John Deere customer service by phone at 1-800-537-8233 or online at their website, JohnDeere.com.
What if I can’t find the year of manufacture for my John Deere riding mower?
If you can’t find the year of manufacture for your John Deere riding mower, you can contact John Deere customer service for assistance.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 2000?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “L”, then it was manufactured in 2000.
What if I don’t know my John Deere riding mower’s serial number?
If you don’t know your John Deere riding mower’s serial number, you can check the owner’s manual or contact John Deere customer service for assistance.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 2003?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “P”, then it was manufactured in 2003.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 2006?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “T”, then it was manufactured in 2006.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 2009?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “X”, then it was manufactured in 2009.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 2011?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “Z”, then it was manufactured in 2011.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 1988?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “8”, then it was manufactured in 1988.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 1995?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “F”, then it was manufactured in 1995.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 1998?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “J”, then it was manufactured in 1998.
How do I know if my John Deere riding mower was manufactured in 2001?
If your John Deere riding mower's serial number begins with “M”, then it was manufactured