what kind of sears mower do i have

can not find numbers it is orange and white 8 hp 306cc 36 inch cut transaxle drive any help is greatly appreciated it is older

I would guess that you have a '71 Custom 8, either manual or electric depending on your starter. The orange was only used '70 and '71, and the 8 was only sold in '71.

I have an orange Custom 10xl, and mine does not appear to have a plate either, although I admit I have not looked very hard...