There should be a dipstick - maybe on the right side - but with the tractor level you should also be able to see some fluid thru the fill hole. Put a piece of wire down in there until it stops against the bottom and see what the fuild depth is - should be at least 2" to be sure everything is getting wetted when it turns. May need to be deeper for hydraulic pump to get reliable suction. But to just lube the gears it doesn't need very much.
Regarding the grinding gears, it sounds like the clutch isn't disengaging - either needs linkage adjusted - or is stuck from lack of use. First check the linkage from the pedal to where the shaft goes into the bellhousing, check that everything is moving when you step on the clutch pedal.
If the clutch disk is stuck, it might be possible to free it. There are a number of ways to go about it - all require a bit of mechanical awareness, some can be dangerous.
The simplest thing to try first is to start it with the transmission in 2nd or 3rd gear while pushing down the clutch pedal. With a charged battery the starter motor makes a fair amount of torque. If the clutch isn't stuck too bad, it might pop free right then.
If it just goes thump and doesn't turn over, another way to get a little more breakaway force is with you sitting in the tractor seat have a helper jack up one rear wheel (using a floor jack). Then start the tractor in 3th gear, and run the engine at about 600-700 rpm. Now, with your foot on the clutch (all the way down) have your helper lower the jack. The driving torque as the tire comes in contact with the ground should pop the clutch loose. This method is a little more risky - make sure nothing is in front of the tractor - and keep everyone away except you and your helper. It is also very important not to run the engine too fast or you could break something. If the engine just stalls, the clutch is pretty stuck and you should get more help.
The L-185 is pretty simple - just be careful and sensible and you will prevail eventually /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Hope this is useful. Take care, Dick B
