Yeah - that's a mystery DL. I thought you had us with some Photoshop mastery, but it can't be. Interesting.
Note that DL's first picture shows that the tractor is teetering front to back. Which is bad, but might not hurt you. What is not easily evident is that the side-to side stability is being provided by the John Deere! The front axle is on its own pivot. A strong push or a gust of wind could have that tractor on its side. That's the way you can get hurt. Almost flipped my JD770 that way.
My advice to a newbie is this: A) Trust your gut. If you feel like something is sketchy, it is. B) Use common sense and physical awareness at all times. C) Don't allow bystanders to be anywhere near your field of destruction. D) Every time you fire up your tractor, it's going to be fun. Don't do anything stupid to mess that up.