[Yosemite Sam]

It's difficult to tell if a creeper gear is good or not if the tractor isn't running or if you don't have the creeper gear out.

The handle normally moves easily in the middle of it's travel, all the way forward and all the way to the rear is where the real work is done.

The handle, the yoke and the pin that connects them have a tendency to wear. Even though the handle moves all the way to each end of the slot, that doesn't necessarily mean the parts inside of the housing are moving the full extent of their travel.

If a tractor isn't in running condition, I normally consider it to be a pig in a poke. And I base my top dollar price accordingly. Many sellers are good, fair, honest people but some sellers will tell you anything to relieve you of that big wad of cash in your pocket.

If a seller insists that the tractor runs, I have been known to ask them where the nearest ATM is. And then tell them "I have to go get the money, you get it runnin and I'll buy it when I get back".

The price will normally drop before you can get back in your truck.

Good luck.