Maybe you could ask the owner who serviced his tractor. Then you know if he "tried" or he had someone who knew what to do. If it was someone else get in touch with them and find out any particulars about how often, or any difficulties the owner had.
I can't tell about the position of the 2/4 wheel drive handle. Call the owner, if it's too far to go see, and ask him if the handle is up or down. Lugbolt, gave a response to the required position in one of his post.