You can search serial numbers on the Toro site. You need to know the model number, and they are different between 2009 and 2010. As far as visuals to look for, the most obvious is the 2010 assist springs on the sides of the tower behind the engine. 2009s had 'hidden' gas struts. Also, the fuel tank is changed, the gauge and inlet tube are now in the center of the tank at the control panel and the tank is more 'squared-off' as the capacity has increased. The deck shields are now black plastic, although I believe that this change occurred earlier than 2010. BUT, older models had red painted metal shields covering the deck pulleys, these units are really old. There has been a change as well with the flip-up platform, the new 2010s have 'slots' on the red painted side, older models were smooth red painted metal. I don't know when this change occurred exactly. Of course, the engine horsepower ratings have increased for 2010, the site has these listed, but they went up by one horsepower (eg was 23, now is 24, etc) I have seen photos of gusset plates on the top and sometimes bottom of the frame where the 'H' member meets the side rail in front of the muffler. I don't know if these were factory answers to the ill-fated gas strut problem or if they were aftermarket repairs, but they're not always present. Another detail, the older gas-strut models had the instruction manual tube on the left side tower just behind the engine. That is now gone (one of the assist springs is there). Hope this helps, from what I've read on this site, don't be tempted with a low price on a 2009, get the better 2010...perhaps somebody else can back this statement or dispute it for SHOVELRACER.
