bolens ride-a-matic rear end question

I need to make a decision quickly.

Was looking at a Bolens Ride-a-matic. A bit rough, but restorable.
Has a front-mount cycle-bar


The question is with the differential.
I know there is a diff engagement pin - but was too rusted to move.

If the pin is not engaged and you move the tractor, should you be able to see anything move?

Also, the axles appear to be a bit loose, is this easy to resolve or a big problem?


Thanks.

Not real sure, but if it's a hydro and the diff isn't engaged it's free wheeling and you wouldn't see anything move.
As for the loose axle I'd say probably bearings. Shouldn't be to big a deal, but I have been known to be wrong.
If you can pick it up cheap enough i'd say what the heck. Then you can get on here and whine every time you work on it like I do with the Homelite.

Thanks.


It's a ride-a-matic - about 1958 to 1961.

The rear diff is a fixed speed - has an input shaft, one or two gears, differential and axles.
Speed selection appears to use a chain on various sized sprockets.


Anyone know if I can get rear-end parts? Or what normally fails?



Thanks.