That could be one of 5 models - 528/628/830/831/1130, made from 1979 to 1985 if I remember right. I have one in my barn, the 831 and use it weekly. The naming scheme is straight forward (mine is 831), 8 hp 30" cut (830 was recoil start, 831 is electric start). These are good little mowers if tuned correctly, powered by 5 to 11 hp Briggs and Stratton with a 5 speed peerless transmission. The 28" and 30" decks (like yours) are a large single blade, which is expensive, and the 34" and 36" are dual blade, cheap but don't cut as nicely. There are a little slow and have a reputation for tough steering but both can be remedied. The input drive pulley on the transmission and be swapped with a smaller one (10" to a 8" if I remember right). The steering is a little more in depth and comes from the garden tractor hacks. The steering spindles have no bearings and just a hole through the tube to squirt oil into. You can install flat plate bearings on the bottom and drill the hole out, thread, and install a grease zerk. They do this with garden tractors to help steer due to extra weight of a snow blower/broom/frail mower/etc. on the front. In this case the extra weight is the driver and a short wheel base. I love mine (after pulley and steering upgrades) and use it to get into tight areas around trees in my small fruit orchard and around other trees in the yard and a very long drive that are trimmed/tall enough to drive under and around. These are great little tractors if taken care of and good for smaller lots and tight spots. I would also recommend adding a higher back seat to make with ride a little more comfy.
Hope this helps,
Rich, a.k.a Sir Malaki
