Congrats on that find! I had a 1512 (same model just newer - 1986?) for 20 years. I just sold it this summer to someone that approached me to buy it. When I bought it in 1995, the hour meter had been replaced and it had new rear tires. I think its first 8 years of service was full time commercial duty. It had LOTS of hours on it. I put about 600 hours on it. You will love the Kubota.
I replaced the hydro relief valve on mine, back in the '90s, because it was leaking fluid all over the rear end. That worked for a very short while and it started leaking again. I just kept a piece of cardboard under it from then on. Maybe the power or vibration of the Kubota has something to do with the leaking? I don't know.
It starts MUCH better if over 40 degrees - I fought it for 4 years and then put heat in the shop and everything was fine after that. Make sure the cables are good and your have a strong battery. Interstate makes a good one that will fit in the small space.
About five years ago I started having fuel issues. It would run for about 5 minutes of snowblowing and would run out of power. Shut it off for a few minutes and it would run again for about 5 minutes. It ended up being "floaties" in the fuel tank.
Just follow good maintenance practices and if it is in good shape that 30 something year old garden tractor will still last for GENERATIONS. If you run into a problem just ask here if you need help.
PeterJ
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