It's worth a look, you never know. That price sounds like he gave up in frustration and just wants it out of there. "Take that, stupid tractor!"
Be prepared to jump it from your vehicle and maybe short across his starter if his key won't start it. Or even tow-start it. If it demos ok, jump on it before the rest of the world shows up! A starter is only $100, no big deal.
As you may know, YM2000 (same engine but two cylinders) makes a godawful racket like a rod about to come through the block, particularly before it warms up, but the racket doesn't mean anything. I assume this 3 cylinder version sounds similar.
These incredible deals come along, but rarely. I just got two nice welders (
photo) for $25 total from an older guy who was downsizing from a place with a home workshop, to probably an assisted-living community. He simply had to be rid of them by moving day. I couldn't even check them before buying but at that price - why not gamble. They both turned out to be flawless after some minor mods - I replaced a plug on one cord to something more common, etc.
For me I would go look at that 3000. And hope it is the deal of the year. Don't be afraid to walk away if things go weird. Maybe when you get there phone your wife in his presence so he knows someone is looking out for you, since it could be a stop-n-rob offer, too.
