"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]Any advice on what to look for in way of condition?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"
Make sure the mower has one of the two following drawbars.
Take a look at the two diagrams below.
Take a look at the photo below of the first drawbar.
Take a look at the photo below of the ?Quik-Tach? drawbar.
Make sure it has a complete power shaft.
Take a look at the diagram below.
Take a look at the photo below.
"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]What to stay away from?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"
Welding on the drawbar, mower frame and cutter bar; especially the cutterbar.
Take a look at the diagram below.
"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]says hasn't been used in at least five years. How do you tell, in a situation like that, if its tolerable or yard art?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"
Turn the power shaft and the knife should move.
If the knife will not move, then there is either a problem inside the crankshaft and bearings housing or the knife is probably rusted to the guards.
If the knife will move, then there is hope; otherwise, pick a spot in the yard with your wife's approval.
Take a look at the photo below of a mower that had a tree growing around and through it.
"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]The correct way to adapt it to a 3 point hitch?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"
Here is one way, using a Quik-Tach drawbar hitch, to adapt the mower to your tractor's draft arms on a 3 point hitch.
Basically welding Cat. 1 hitch pins in a 2? diameter pipe that is approximately 23? long.
"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]What's the current market value?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"
We have purchased five <a href="https://youtu.be/rnH8n4KOYoU">JD No. 5 mower</a>s ranging from $60 to $150 depending on condition.
Hope this helps and good luck with your mower.