Yeah, ballast is a biggy. When I got my new LS-235 a couple of years ago after using my JD-770 for 20+ years I definitely cleared my sinus's when --testing-- the bucket. Had I not had my seat belt on I'm pretty sure I might have launched myself over the hood. The hyd's are like 3 times faster then that little JD.
By the way, congrats on the tractor, you have the re-newed tractor model. The old ones, 230, 235 and the 240 models where identical except for the power. From what I read LS updated/combined those models and now all the MT2 series are under the same umbrella. A lot easier to figure out what tractor is which series now.
I so like the new headlights, mine looks like a big spider is looking at you. They are bright tho.