Where to find it
On many Kubota tractors in the B, L and M series, the serial number plate is on the forward end of the transmission case, on the left or right side, and sometimes the number is stamped directly into the case instead of on a plate. On M series machines it is often on the left side of the frame below the engine, near the main factory tag. If the plate is unreadable, the date stamped into the rear wheels can give a rough age.
Old system versus new system
Kubota uses two numbering systems, and telling them apart is how you read the year:
- Modern 17-character VIN: the tenth character encodes the year, following the same convention as an automotive VIN. Kubota also encodes the manufacturing month in the twelfth character, which is specific to Kubota's format rather than part of the standard road-vehicle VIN.
- Older 5-digit serial number: the five digits do not directly encode the year, so you confirm it against Kubota's serial charts or with a dealer.
MachVerity reads the year from a standard 17-character PIN automatically.
Confirming the year and model
For a modern VIN, read the year from the tenth character. For an older 5-digit serial, cross-reference Kubota's records or ask an authorized Kubota dealer, who can confirm the year, model and build details.
Have a Kubota serial or VIN? Run it through MachVerity to read the year, see a value from real sales, and get a due-diligence checklist.
Check a machine before you buy
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Frequently asked
Where is the serial number on a Kubota tractor?
On many B, L and M series tractors it is on the forward end of the transmission case, on the left or right side, sometimes stamped directly into the case rather than on a plate.
How do I tell the year of my Kubota?
If it has a 17-character VIN, the tenth character encodes the year. If it has an older 5-digit serial, the digits do not encode the year, so check Kubota’s charts or a dealer.
What are the two Kubota serial number systems?
A modern 17-character VIN, where the tenth character gives the year, and an older 5-digit serial number that does not directly encode the year.