1520 serial ID

[BillWinn]

Good evening. This is a picture of my JD 1520 serial number (best I could manage before the cold motivated me to go back in by the fire). Am I correct in reading this as a ‘71? Also what does M4MTR indicate?

 

[1954lincoln]

Based on discussions regarding older John Deere equipment, the engine identification code
M4MTRgenerally refers to a specific type of engine, likely with 3 cylinders.
Here is a breakdown of the likely components of this designation, often found on older tractor engine tags (such as on 1520 or similar models):

• M: Usually indicates the engine is a Motor or specifically a Diesel model.
• 4: Often represents a 3-cylinder engine, though in some contexts, it can denote a specific series or revision.
• T: Generally indicates that the engine was manufactured or assembled in the Dubuque Tractor Works, Iowa.
• R: Frequently indicates a specific model designation or configuration within a series (e.g., related to R-RU model or similar).

 

[Tx Jim]

Shown in the following photos is explanation of 1520 serial # & engine serial # taken from 1520 parts catalog introduction section. Tractor serial # is located on RH side of trans case very close to 3 pt control mechanism. The info I located in 4th photo on a 152 CID power unit engine agrees with what 1954licoln previously stated. I think this 1520 had a complete engine or short block previously installed.

 

[Jim.ME]

Interesting this thread is showing up with no responses other than 1954Lincoln's current reply. It doesn't appear BillWinn made a duplicate post that day on this. This thread was posted on Feb. 8, 2026 and had several responses that day. Here is a link to that thread.

1520 serial ID

 

[Tx Jim]

So you can't view my reply I posted 42 minutes ago?

 

[Jim.ME]

So you can't view my reply I posted 42 minutes ago?

I saw your reply posted at 9:30 this morning. Sorry, I worded my reply poorly, I was referring to the fact that no replies were showing before 1954Lincoln's post this morning. Researching Bill's posts it appears he made a duplicate thread that day and 1954Lincoln has replied to the duplicate thread, that did not have any replies, at that time.

BillWinn started this exact thread on Feb. 8 this year and it got several replies at that time (the link I posted). You and I both replied at that time and it was determined he was looking for the tractor year so needed the tractor serial number not the engine number. The tractor year was established in that thread on Feb. 8.