Overall, that 102 looks to be in good shape. That is not a creepy gear in it. Instead, it looks more like a rope that is similar to the one on the left foot rest or whatever it is....maybe a small tree that grew up through it....but it is not a creepy gear. The 2nd lift handle should not be there. It may be a PO mod or just an extra part that is laid in there.
Go look at it and see what you think. Looks like it needs just the TLC that you could give to it.
Cub Cadet 123