Good news, everyone! After using a hammer and a punch to free up the shifter tabs (gently, of course!), I attempted to remove the brake and housing to see if something there was stuck. While trying to break the pin holding the brake lever loose, with the hammer and a bigger punch, the whole rear end started moving under me. Apparently, something in the brakes was stuck, and all the hammering broke it free.
The rear end now rolls on it's own properly, not just spinning from side to side. Still stiff, but nothing a little fresh lube can't fix! Thank you to all who aided me in that mystery.
Now to clean all the gunk out of the bottom, get some new gaskets, fill it up and reattach it. Then I'll move on to the busted wires, and then to trying to spin the engine over.... hmm, might actually try that while waiting for cleaner to work and new gaskets to arrive, save a little time!
I'm sure I'll be back with more stupid questions, so stay tuned for episode two of this quirky little tractor!
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It all started with a little 122......
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