I have had both and I prefer the hydro overall for my needs which are shredding, loader work, blade work etc. The hydro is well suited for working around tight spots arounds fences, buildings and loading vehicles because it can stop on a dime with exactness without using a clutch. My JD also has the cruise control so if I want a consistent speed for mowing or box blade work and do not want to keep my foot on the hydro pedal, it works fine too. I have owned rigs with std gears, shuttle shift, power reverser and now hydro. Hydro works very well for my needs and the wife can even drive it too if she needs too.
IMO....