Even if you’ve just purchased a brand new John Deere Gator, you may not know exactly what is what when it comes to necessary parts. Of course, if something goes wrong early on, you have a warranty to lean on, but that won’t always be the case. So how do you know exactly what parts to buy?
Fortunately, your John Deere Gator’s VIN number will give you all the information you need. Its usually found on the back of the Gator. The VIN is near the hitch or on the right side, between the back tire and the cargo box.
At some point, you will need the VIN to pull up specific information about your John Deere Gator. Not all parts are interchangeable, especially since John Deere manufactures several Gator models.
You need the VIN number if you want the right parts and components. So we’ll look at everything you need to know about the VIN number on the John Deere Gator.
How Do You Read a John Deere Gator VIN Number?
Almost everything that we purchase today has some sort of identifying marker on it. Whether that marker determines the originality of a product or lets you know that this is a unique model that requires unique parts, there’s always a reason for it.
While the number itself is usually a 17-digit number, the last six numbers are usually all that is needed to determine the year and the model of your John Deere Gator. John Deere Gators usually have an engine number as well, which you will find directly on the engine.
The last six digits on the VIN are the serial number of your particular Gator. So when it comes time to search for parts, validate your warranty, or file a claim on the Gator’s warranty, those six digits will be pretty helpful.
You don’t have to read into or decipher the numbers in any sort of way. All you need are those six numbers because they identify the Gator and help you figure out the correct CV axle for your particular model.
Other Information that the VIN Number Imparts
The first two digits on a John Deere Gator VIN number are informative but not very useful. The first two digits will tell you what factory your Gator was manufactured in. They are usually letters, but you can use the first two digits to go online and find out where yours was built.
The model number for your particular John Deere Gator is comprised of four digits that immediately follow the first two. The model number is an important identifying marker if you are searching for replacement parts.
The model number digits are usually followed by a letter. The letter indicates whether the John Deere Gator is emissions certified and, if so, what tier the emissions certification falls under. But, again, it’s not useful information other than simply informing you more about your vehicle.
The remaining numbers are what your John Deere Gator’s serial number is comprised of. In other words, the whole serial number imparts a great deal of both useful and interesting information. Owning the Gator can go a long way towards making it feel more “you.”
How to Find Out What Year A John Deere Gator Is
It’s challenging to find a site that just lets you plug in the VIN from your John Deere Gator to find out all the information you need. Fortunately, there are few PDFs floating around that will at least provide you with the model and the year of manufacture.
The best way to find these PDFs is to look through John Deere forums or utility forums under the search terms for John Deere Gator VINs.
Here is a forum that contains the PDF file for all John Deere Gator models and years, all the way back to their first utility vehicle manufactured in 1987.
Fortunately, you can often turn to your local dealer to discover what parts you need if you can’t find any information by looking up your John Deere Gator’s VIN. If you are looking for a specific part, your dealer may be able to pull up the part you need based on the serial number.
The serial and model numbers are important for locating the correct parts for your Gator. However, the model number is not always a part of your VIN. Sometimes the model number is displayed right beneath the VIN and is labeled “model” number so that you know what it is.
Do All John Deere Products Have a VIN?
For the most part, they do. Of course, you’re not going to find a VIN number on John Deere oil or anything. However, all their tractors, lawn mowers, Gators, and riding lawn mowers should come with a VIN.
Depending on what you own, whether it’s a tractor, lawn mower, or Gator, the VIN plate will be located in different areas. But, for the most part, the information remains the same, with model numbers, serial numbers, manufacturing locations, and emissions standards.
The best part about knowing how to scan the VIN numbers on any John Deere product is the knowledge it imparts. So long as you know where the VIN is, you will always know your make, model, and year. You’ll also know what parts are compatible with your John Deere.
It also gives you a little freedom, especially if you prefer to be a DIY mechanic with your John Deere toys. Knowing the VIN allows you to go after third-party parts and modifications that John Deere might not sell.
Serial Numbers are in the Same Location
No matter what machine you are dealing with, John Deere serial numbers are comprised of the last six digits on the VIN. So if you are looking at a John Deere tractor VIN, the last 6 digits will be the serial number of that tractor.
The same goes for lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers, and Gators. The serial number is easy to remember because it’s always in the same portion of the VIN number.
VIN Location on John Deere Tractors and Mowers
On a John Deere riding mower, you can locate the VIN simply by standing behind the riding mower, and you will see the VIN on the back. It’s usually on the left side, just to the right of the left tire.
When it comes to John Deere Tractors, you will usually find the VIN underneath the seat. However, on some tractor models, you will find the VIN on the back, in a similar location to that of the John Deere riding lawn mowers.
On a John Deere Push Mower, the VIN and the model number are easily visible on the green metal chassis of the mower, usually on the left side if you are standing behind the mower.
Final Word
On all John Deere products, the VIN is made of metal and attached to the vehicle’s body with rivets or spot welded into place. Once you find them, you should write the VIN down somewhere safe so that you will always have access to it when it’s needed.
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