Guys,
My previous suspicion about this tractor having been run dry is confirmed. After yesterday's filling of all three resevoirs, today I noticed a brand new leak. Where the left brake shaft exits the differential housing, it's dripping..half a coffee can since last night. No wonder the axle was dry. From the looks of it, the shaft must go through the housing?? The drip is coming from the vicinity of the toothed ratchet cam for the brake, and may be also where a large housing bolt is for the axle housing flange. I have to clean it off and get a closer look. Anyone know if there's a seal there somewhere? is this how restorations start? My original intent was to put in a new battery so I could move the tractor home and rebuild the carb. Mean while, I guess I'll have to hire someone to auger those holes I needed....

Nick, I'm NOT an expert but I think this is pretty much the road to restoration. I don't remember what your working on now but The shaft probablt does go through to work the other side. Good luck to ya!!