Where to Find Your Lawnmower’s Serial & Model Numbers
Who has the time to scan every square inch of their mower looking for the serial and model numbers? If you’d rather spend your time some other way, then you’re in luck! We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out where you should look first for these important numbers.
If you’re more of a visual learner, you might find our video on this topic helpful. You can watch it here or by scrolling to the bottom of the page.
You can also jump directly to your mower's brand by clicking one of the links below.
Grasshopper Mowers | Simplicity Mowers| Toro Mowers | Ariens and Gravely Mowers | Scag Mowers | John Deere Mowers | MTD Mowers | Husqvarna Mowers | Dixon Mowers | Exmark Mowers | Hustler Mowers | Craftsman Mowers
Why do you need to know these numbers?
There are several reasons you’d want to know your mower’s serial and model numbers (or have them somewhere you can conveniently access them). A couple of important ones are 1) registration and 2) being able to order parts.
If you’re able to register your mower, you’ll probably have to give the serial number. Registering your mower is a crucial step for things like getting product information, such as emails about new features, customer service help, and notifications for safety recalls. You also may need to have your registration sorted out to set up your warranty.
Your model number will come into play when you’re searching for replacement parts (say, after you've finished troubleshooting your mower issues). Without it, figuring out if a given part will work for your mower becomes a struggle. Unless you really love trial and error, we’d highly recommend having your model number on hand.
For example, with the Verify Fitment widget on our website, you can find out if a part you’re looking at is the one you need by searching for the brand and model number.
Your model number can also be the key to finding helpful resources like parts diagrams and owner’s manuals that can come in handy when you need to troubleshoot issues.
Serial Number vs Model Number
While these numbers are similar in that they both give information about your machine, serial numbers are not the same as model numbers. This means that it’s important to know the difference between the two.
If you use the wrong number, it may make it more difficult to access the resources you want.
Your lawnmower's serial number is unique to your exact machine, whereas the model number is an identifier for a specific type of product for a given brand.
For example, let’s say you and your neighbor both own the same brand and model of lawnmower. You’ll have the same model number but different serial numbers since the two of you don't share a mower.
Unless your mower is extremely rare, you’ll find the same model number on it as you would find for a number of other people’s mowers.
Where to Look for Serial and Model Numbers
You might make the mistake of assuming you’ve found the serial and model number because you’ve located a sticker with numbers on it. That could be true, but a mower can have multiple labels on it that refer to different components such as the deck, the engine, and the overall unit.
You’ll need to make sure that what you’re seeing is in fact the number you are after.
Searching for a deck part using the model number for your engine (or vice versa) isn't likely to be a fruitful experience.
Finding Engine Model and Serial Numbers
Let’s say you want to replace a part on your mower’s motor. To do so, you’ll want to find your mower’s engine number.
A great first spot to check is your motor’s plastic covering. The engine number may also be on a metal plate elsewhere on your engine.
Weathered or dirty mowers may require some cleaning before you can locate the proper number.
If your lawnmower is an older model, you’ll also want to look on the valve cover or motor casing.
Where to Look for Unit Serial and Model Numbers
Other situations (like if you’re trying to get replacement parts for your mower’s chassis) will require your mower’s information plate. This could be in one of a few different locations depending on your mower’s make and model. We’ll walk through some of the more common spots for a variety of brands.
Grasshopper Mowers
For Grasshopper mowers, start by looking under the seat for the information plate.
However, if the part you want to replace is for the deck, you may need to consult a different plate that will likely be somewhere on the mower’s deck.
Simplicity Mowers
The information plate for a Simplicity mower could be in one of a few spots. Start by looking under the seat and on the mower’s frame. There should also be a deck information plate on—you guessed it—the deck.
You may also find a sticker containing information for things like touch-up paint, blades, and mower belts, depending on what model of mower you have. This sticker will likely be under the seat or under the hood.
For Simplicity mowers, the engine model number is either 11 or 12 digits long. For the overall unit, it should be 6 or 7 digits long.
Toro Mowers
Depending on the type of Toro mower you own, you might need to look in several places to locate the model and serial plate. However, here is where you can begin your search:
- For zero-turns, try near the control levers, under the seat, or near the fuel tank.
- For other riders, check underneath the seat or on the back of the frame. If you have a rear engine, make sure to check both of the side panels as well.
- With a tractor, you’ll want to check the dash and sides of the steering tower, the footrest, and the deck.
Ariens and Gravely Mowers
If you have an Ariens/Gravely riding or zero-turn mower, check under the seat near the back of the mower for the information sticker.
With the exception of very early models, Gravely model numbers will be 6 digits long and begin with a 9.
Scag Mowers
If you need information for a Scag mower, try looking on the frame under the seat. You may also find an information sticker on the deck referring to that specific component.
John Deere Mowers
Own a John Deere rider? Consult the frame for the information sticker. You might have to clean your mower a bit for it to be visible.
The serial number will be the underlined portion in the top right side of the sticker.
MTD Mowers
MTD includes various mower brands, including Troy-Bilt, Yard Machine, and Cub Cadet. However, for all these brands, you should check underneath your mower’s seat.
A model number for a MTD mower will begin with 13, 14, or 17. If you have a Cub Cadet mower, it may also begin with 53.
Husqvarna Mowers
If you have a Husqvarna riding mower, try looking underneath the seat for the information sticker.
If your Husqvarna is a zero-turn, look on the mower’s frame.
The product number for a Husqvarna will be nine digits long. It will also probably begin with a 9 or a 5.
Dixon Mowers
Dixon zero-turn mowers will likely have the model and serial number somewhere on the mower frame.
Exmark Mowers
Try checking the mower frame near the throttle arms for an Exmark zero-turn mower.
The serial number will probably have either six or nine numbers, and every group of three numbers will be separated with a comma.
Hustler Mowers
Look on the mower frame to find the information tag for a Hustler zero-turn mower.
The model number will begin with a 9 and be six digits long.
Craftsman Mowers
Craftsman zero-turns may have the information plate behind the seat on the back side of the mower.
For riding mowers, flip the seat and check the underside for the model number.
Regardless of whether it’s a zero-turn or a rider, the model number should start with CM.
Found the numbers? Here's what to do now.
If you want extra help throughout this process, you can check out our video to see examples of where you'd look for all these brands and what the information plates look like.
Once you have the numbers you need, you probably want to make sure you’ll always be able to get to them. However, there’s no guarantee that stickers won’t wear off or become dirty.
Copy down the numbers and put them somewhere safe, and don’t forget to note which numbers are which and the components they match.
With these numbers in hand, you should be set to access all sorts of informational resources for your mower and be able to determine fitment for parts.
However, if you need extra help with your mower, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service department. You can also try out the Verify Fitment widget on our product listings to see if a part is the right fit for your mower.
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