How do I tell what year my John Deere lawn mower is? It is located on a black metal tag on the left side of the tractor, above the front axle. To determine the model year of your 5000 series tractor, locate the 13 digit identification number ( tractor serial number). It is possible to determine the model year of a 5000 series tractor from the serial number. Likewise, can you tell the year of a John Deere tractor by the serial number? The serial number (PIN) is 13 or 17 digits long.Īdditionally, where is the serial number on a John Deere 4020? Serial number plate on the rear of the 4020 transmission case. The model serial number of a John Deere lawn mower is printed on an identification tag located on the left side of the deck (standing behind the mower). Simply so, where is the serial number on my John Deere mower?