Price is in the eye of the beholder. They probably cost $1000 new. The models made after about 1980 had a removable rear tine section and a PTO lever on the left side near the driveshaft. Attachments were available. Look for the ends of the tines to be flat. Worn tines develop a tapered sharp edge.

The lever that goes from drive, down, and reverse, up and neutral moves the engine up and down. The iron casting to which the engine is mounted moves along two steel rods, vertical. There might be some slop here, but not too much is OK.

Look at the area where the tines are bolted. There are oil seals. Look for excessive seepage behind the bolt and also for excessive movement sideways in the tines that would indicated a seal leak, loss of lubricant, or a worn tine bearing.