How can I determine the age of my engine if it was made after 1965?
The engine's code number indicates the exact date it was manufactured. This system provides an easy way to determine the age of your small engine.
Toro Serial Number Date Codes
The following is an example of interpreting the date for the code number 99011556:
Toro Serial Number Date Code
- The first two digits (99) denote the year of manufacture. In this case it is 1999.
- The next two digits (01) are the month of the year, which is January.
- The following two digits (15) are the day of the month. In this case the 15th.
- The final two digits designate the plant and assembly line.
Therefore, this engine’s manufacture date was January 15, 1999.
How do I determine the manufacture date for my engine if it was made before 1965?
It's a Toro 521 (5 HP with 21' cut) The model is 38052 Serial # is 5004797. From the looks of it I would guesstimate late 80's, however I would like to know the true age. On MTD-made machines, the first five characters of the Serial Number identify the Build Date. This is somewhat harder to interpret. For example, if the Serial Number is 1I251B10267, the first character, 1, identifies the Decade. The second character, I, identifies the month where A through L represent January through December. Toro Model Number Lookup - Label/Plate Information. The model number on your Toro equipment can be found on the model and serial tag, located in one of several places depending on your equipment type. Some products, such as riding mowers, have more than one tag-one for the rider or traction unit, and another for the attachment. Model number 20200 with serial numbers ranging from 313000101 to 313007366; and, model number 22200 with serial numbers ranging from 313000101 to 313007146. The phrases “TimeMaster” or “TurfMaster” and “Toro” are printed on the front of the black and red mower. “Toro” is also printed on the side of the mower. Toro Serial Number Date Code For Iphone; Toro Serial Number Date Code For 10; Toro Serial Number Date Code List; On MTD-made machines, the first five characters of the Serial Number identify the Build Date. This is somewhat harder to interpret. For example, if the Serial Number is 1I251B10267, the first character, 1, identifies the Decade. Toro Model and Serial Number Locations Toro model numbers and serial numbers are printed on a tag similar to the one to your right. Some products such as riding mowers and commercial equipment, have more than one tag: one tag for the rider or traction unit and another tag for the attachment, such as the deck.
Unfortunately, the process for determining the manufacture date for older engines is not the same since the tracking system with the Code Number was not implemented until 1965. A great source for older and antique Briggs & Stratton engines can be found through the following link - B&S Antique Engine Dating Chart.