[3rdMarDiv]

First thing I do when starting work on a tractor, is what you did, is get the service tech manual. Search youtube for someone who has already invented the wheel..LOL You may find someone who has experienced the same situation and shows you what they did.

Like This Guy

Hope the problem is external to the trans as opposed to internal.

You've taken a big first step by posting here on MTF within the correct forum.

Don't start doing too much on the problem until you do your research.

Spend time working on other areas, like the motor.

Clean the machine front to back as it's much easier to work on it clean.

Find out what other models used the same format as that tractor. A lot of tractors are very similar except the body. Same engine, trans, electrical, etc., just different appearance/name.

Keep your eyes open for a cheap parts tractor. One that has parts you may need that someone just want to get rid of cheap.

Check withing your sphere of friends and see if any have experience working on mechanical equipment. (DIY guys)

Be patient as parts, information and possible help from someone can pop up when you least expect it/

After spending time researching/learning decide if this project is something you really want to commit to. If you commit then just be confident the you will make this tractor come back to life.

Once you start working on it you can become obsessed and possibly loose your marriage, home, alienate all your friends and ultimately become a shell of the man you once were...LOL

It will start when your dreams are taken over by lawn tractors...LOL