how to tell what year a john deere tractor is

John Deere tractors are a popular brand of agricultural machinery that have been manufactured since 1837. Over the years, John Deere has made many different models of tractors, each with their own unique features and specifications. If you are a farmer or collector looking to buy or sell a John Deere tractor, it's important to know how to tell what year it was made. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to determine the year of a John Deere tractor.

Check the Serial Number

The most reliable way to determine the year of a John Deere tractor is to check the serial number. Every John Deere tractor has a unique serial number that identifies the specific model, as well as the year it was manufactured. To find the serial number, locate the tag on the side of the tractor's engine or on the frame near the front wheels. The serial number will be a combination of letters and numbers.Once you have located the serial number, you can use a John Deere serial number lookup tool to determine the year the tractor was made. These lookup tools are available online and are provided by John Deere and other third-party sources. Simply enter your tractor's serial number into the lookup tool, and it will provide you with the year of manufacture.

Check the Model Number

If you are unable to locate the tractor's serial number, you can try to determine the year of manufacture by checking the model number. John Deere used a numbering system for their tractors, with each digit in the model number representing a specific feature or specification. By looking at the model number, you can often determine the year of manufacture.For example, a John Deere model number that starts with an \"L\" usually indicates a tractor that was manufactured in the 1940s, while a model number that starts with a \"4\" usually indicates a tractor that was manufactured in the 1960s. However, this method is not always accurate, as John Deere made many changes to their numbering system over the years.

Check the Paint Colors

Another way to determine the year of a John Deere tractor is to check the paint colors. John Deere used specific paint colors for each year of manufacture, which can help you to identify the year of a tractor. For example, John Deere tractors manufactured in the 1950s usually had a green body and yellow wheels, while tractors manufactured in the 1960s usually had a green body and white wheels.However, this method is also not always accurate, as many John Deere tractors have been repainted over the years. It's important to do your research and look for other identifying features to determine the year of a tractor.

Check the Owner's Manual or Service Records

If you are still unable to determine the year of a John Deere tractor, you can try checking the owner's manual or service records. Many owners keep detailed records of their tractor's maintenance and repairs, which can provide valuable information about the year of manufacture. The owner's manual may also include information about the tractor's specifications and features, which can help you to identify the year of manufacture.In conclusion, there are several ways to determine the year of a John Deere tractor, including checking the serial number, model number, paint colors, and owner's manual or service records. It's important to do your research and use multiple methods to confirm the year of manufacture. By knowing the year of a John Deere tractor, you can make informed decisions when buying or selling these valuable agricultural machines.