New to Cub Cadets, found a 1650 local.

[Johnnymac]

Thank you for the add!

I just joined,this is my first post.

Before I make a purchase that could get costly, I wanted to inquire with the pros. So go easy on me if I write something stupid here.

I'm thinking of purchasing a 77 1650 asking price of $700. Not far from home, like a few miles.
It seems to be in nice shape considering its age.

I would be using this mainly for mowing about a 1/2 acre. Was thinking of eventually finding a plow and trying to plow snow in the winter.

Issues I got from seller sound minor:

The mower deck hasn't been used in 15 plus years, it will require some maintenance.

Hours on the hour meter? METER NOT WORKING. STOPPED AT 55 HRS………OR 655 HRS………PROLLY NOT 1255 HRS, AS ENGINE NOT SMOKING

Fluid leaks, any known issues? ABOUT TWO DROPS A YEAR FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL REAR ACCESS PLATE. I know how to fix this.

Replaced driveshaft bushings? NOPE, DONT THINK THEY ARE A PROBLEM.

Seems to have a parasitic drain: BATTERY RUNS DOWN OVER THE COURSE OF A COUPLE OF WEEKS. WHEN I DONT EXPECT TO USE IT FOR A WHILE I ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE HOT LEAD TO PREVENT THIS. I can fix this

ALSO IT REQUIRES A BRIEF APPLICATION OF CHOKE TO GET RUNNING, EVEN WHEN WARM. PUSH THE CHOKE IN AS SOON AS YOU HEAR THE ENGINE CATCH. I can fix this

I am thinking of checking the following:

check if the oil pan bolts are stripped, if leaking
check if front axle was greased recently
look for any additional leaks

My questions:
Is there any way to test the spindles, without removing wheels?
Test the pto without an attachment? Just listen for click?
Will maintaining hydraulics get costly to maintain?

Any further suggestions/advice would sure be appreciated.

Thank you