I got out in another field with rolling hills and mowed in 3rd, and it did great. I'm thrilled it can manage that, as it saves quite a bit of time. I dialed down on the rpms and set it to the slowest it would go, 7.0mph. Put the pedal down and set the cruise; the load indicator rarely exceeds the 1/2 mark. It's very quiet in the cab, and there is no need to turn the radio up to enjoy it. I question the merits of the transmission, but it's outperforming the JD and prior tractors with similar hp, though the JD did top out just over 23mph in 3rd.Good to hear! I'm glad you're still loving the Yanmar, and I'm impressed with how quiet it sounds- or doesn't sound.