John Deere Serial & Model Number Guide
Every John Deere engine carries a model/serial label. Here is where to find it, what each part of the number means, and how to use it for parts, service and age.
What the number means
Worked example — Model 4045T · ESN CD4045T123456:
| Part | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
4 | Cylinders | First digit = number of cylinders. |
045 | Displacement | Next three digits = displacement in litres (045 = 4.5 L; a 6-cyl 5.9 L = 6059). |
T | Aspiration | D = naturally aspirated, T = turbocharged, A = turbo + air-to-coolant aftercooled, H = turbo + air-to-air (charge-air-cooled). |
CD… | ESN plant prefix | The 13-char ESN LEADS with a 2-char plant code — CD = Saran (FR), TO/T0 = Dubuque (IA), RG = Waterloo (IA), PE = Torreón (MX), PY = Rosario (AR) — then the model, then a 6-digit sequence. |
Using the serial number
The John Deere model (e.g. 4045T = 4-cyl 4.5 L turbo) and the 13-char engine serial number (ESN = plant code + model + 6-digit sequence) identify the engine. Note the leading letters (e.g. PE) are the manufacturing PLANT, not part of the model. The ESN does NOT encode the year — John Deere uses a model-specific serial-range chart for that.
Common John Deere maintenance parts
The service parts John Deere's own documents list across more than one engine model. Confirm the number for your unit on its model page or data plate before ordering.
| Part | Part number | Fits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | RE538245 | 4 John Deere engines | NAPA $33.32 eBay $39.99 Amazon |
| Oil filter | RE504836 | 4 John Deere engines | NAPA $28.76 eBay $44.99 Amazon |
| Fuel filter | RE60021 | 2 John Deere engines | PartsGeek $6.98 eBay $16.99 NAPA $36.94 |
| Fuel filter | GM80460 | 2 John Deere engines | PartsGeek $48.97 eBay $93.00 |
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Decode rules verified against: John Deere PowerTech engine identification (plant & aspiration codes). Figures are for reference; confirm against the official documentation for your exact unit.