Export thread

Hi, I am trying to source a deck cutting belt for my MTD Yartdman DX70 ride on lawnmower, it seems there are too many ? suppliers are asking me what the year is ?
I cannot locate the lawnmower serial number, I understand it should be under the seat but its not.
I do however have a model & serial number on the 8.5 HP I/C engine.
Model : 196707 Type : 0197-01
Any help would be appreciated

The first two digits of the Code following the engine model number is the year of manufacture. The mower should be that year or the next

Close but no cigar.
The date is coded into the Serial number
ABCDEFGHI
AB will be the 2 number year
CD will be the day
EF will be the month
GHI is the factory code