The other tractors for that year will have successively higher numbers. How to read a tractor serial number list: Tractor serial number lists nearly always show the first tractor built in each year. Use the menu at the left to select your tractor manufacturer and model, the serial number list will be on the tractor's data page. How to find tractor serial numbers: lists tractor serial numbers under the individual model. John Deere Backhoe Serial Number Identification.