I use my tractor in a very similar manner to what you described. Mostly mowing, but I add in snowblowing in the winter. I had a JD 770 previously and it had a 8x2 manual transmission and it worked well, but I knew I wanted more reverse options for the blower. The 12x12 powershift works well for me, giving me enough speed selections. The only thing that would be nice about the hydro is slowing down on a turn. I tested a hydro and it didn't feel right. It revved up a lot any time I pushed the pedal to move, and I really didn't like the hydro whine. As for thinking about a cab, Think Nike, and JUST DO IT! Hours of brush hogging and I'm cool and clean while listening to the stereo, would never even consider a tractor without a factory cab again. My dealer had to order the cab tractor so he wasn't pushing either, but he said that he sells more power shifts than hydros in the 1635.