I think I am leaning toward buying it. There aren't a huge amount of tractors for sale around here in our price range, and we also face the problem of not being able to pick one up since we don't have a flatbed trailer or a truck, for that matter! (We do have access to a stick shift old Ford 250, but I really don't trust the clutch on that one, among other things!). Anyway, we have used it but not abused it for 3 years. Now that I think of it, I believe that the owner has come out to check fluids and change the oil (as well as replacing the filter). We have a small hobby farm and the tractor has served up well for 3x a year brush hogging on 4 acres, rototilling, and moving dirt. As far as the situation goes with us using it for 3 years with no compensation to the owner, it actually has been a win-win situation for both of us. The owner was more than happy to "store" it at our place, instead of incurring the wrath of his wife, who isn't too horribly excited about him having tons of equipment at their more suburban home ;-) He also stores his work truck and utility trailer here, so he's saving a lot on paying a storage place to keep the stuff or having a wife who's unhappy with his plethora of toys, erm, work equipment. I appreciate everyone's help! You are a very knowledgeable group of folks!
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