Some of the people on this forum are dealers and it would make things easier to help if we had engine model numbers for engine problems and equipment model numbers for equipment problems.
For example a guy is having problems with his 18.5 briggs on a cub cadet. Is it the 18.5 opposed twin. the 18.5 v-twin, or the 18.5 single cylinder engine.
Having a good model number is a big help in diagnosing a problem. Here are the web sites for help in finding your model number for Kohler, B&S, and Tecumseh.
AYP/Husqvarna/Sears stuff: Model Numbers on AYP riding lawn mowers are found on the back of the mower or under the seat.
Model numbers on AYP push mowers and walk behind mowers are normally on the center of the deck between the brackets that the lower handle mounts to.
I agree, They are in some cases the only way to get the ball rolling. You would be amazed on how many calls we get a day at work and people dont know what they have. These #'s are the fingerprint of the equipment and can save alot of aggrivation for the owner and get it running faster.