Thanks Chris and Chuck for the replys.... I'll get some manuals ordered. 
The first things to address is the clutch doesn't dis-engage when pushed in... you have to have it in gear when you start the motor or you can't get it in gear. The other thing is one brake is either completely worn out, or badly out of adjustment.
  Does this tractor have a positive ground system???  The previous owner had it connected as a negitative ground.