Greg, I am also a newbie tractor owner bought in anticipation of our small pond and a deal we could not pass up. I think that Eddie Walker is very knowledgeable - maybe drop him a line. Also check out http://www.tractorbynet.com. They have a lot of 'experts' on their discussion boards and lots you can search. I am sure you will find lots of help on here, too.

I got my technical manual off of ebay for $5.00 - you can get tech manuals and owner's manuals pretty readily for the green tractors, anyway. Best of luck. Be careful.