Where to find it
Komatsu stamps the number on a data plate and directly into the machine. On many Komatsu excavators the full number is stamped on the front of the machine, on a flat surface between the two hydraulic arms, and Komatsu often places a small "KOMATSU" decal over the stamping. You may also find it on the left outside of the cab, on the engine cover area, or on the main frame near the operator’s cab. Always confirm the plate matches the stamped number, and treat any ground-off or re-stamped serial as a warning sign.
How the format works
Modern Komatsu equipment uses a 17-character PIN built to the same standard as a vehicle VIN, so the tenth character encodes the model year. Older Komatsu machines used a shorter serial number that does not encode the year the same way.
MachVerity reads the model year from a standard 17-character PIN automatically.
Confirming the exact model and year
For older short serials, and to confirm the exact model and build details on any Komatsu, cross-reference the serial with the official Komatsu records or give it to an authorized Komatsu dealer. Komatsu's serial formats are manufacturer-specific, so the dealer is the reliable source.
Have a Komatsu serial or 17-character PIN? Run it through MachVerity to read the year, see a value from real sales, and get a checklist to verify title, liens and theft.
Check a machine before you buy
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Frequently asked
Where is the serial number on a Komatsu excavator?
It is often stamped on the front of the machine on a flat surface between the two hydraulic arms, sometimes under a KOMATSU decal, plus a data plate on the frame near the cab. Confirm the plate matches the stamp.
Can you tell the year from a Komatsu serial number?
If the machine has a standard 17-character PIN, the tenth character encodes the model year. Older short serials do not, so confirm the build date with Komatsu records or a dealer.
How do I find the exact Komatsu model from a serial number?
Check the data plate and give the serial to an authorized Komatsu dealer, who can look up the exact model and build details.