I have a 7040 and really like it. However, I can see the advantages and disadvantages of both. The 7040 is a relatively big engine in a relatively small tractor, so it has great maneuverability - it can turn on a dime, and can get in and out of tight spaces. However, when I am doing tillage in the field, I wish it was heavier, and I wish it had more gears. Often, I find that 3rd gear is too slow, while 4th gear is too fast. However, these are trade-offs that I can live with. For everyday chores around the farm when horsepower isn't an issue, it will use less fuel than the bigger tractor. My advice would be that unless you will be doing a lot of open- field mowing or tillage or haying, where saving time with larger implements is more important, the 7040 could work really well for you. You can do a rough calculation of how much time you would save at any given task by being able to use a larger implement, and decide whether it's worth it. Like the earlier post said, it's time vs. money. Having never used an 9540, I can't speak to any other advantages it may have, like operator comfort or controls.