Did I just get screwed?

[CliffordK]

If it has a hydrostatic transmission, then you'd know if it was bone dry with your test drive.
Add hydro fluid, and use your tractor.

 

[paulsharvey]

If it has a hydrostatic transmission, then you'd know if it was bone dry with your test drive.
Add hydro fluid, and use your tractor.

It's already at 28 hours, very low on fluid, and of unknown age and make; it seems the perfect opportunity to do the fluid and filter change, and start his ownership with a known baseline, IMO