Mossroad, thank you for posting the pictures.
+ I like the "Mossroad design," with the exhaust out the back much better.
+ I suspect this current design is used to save money (no front AND rear power take off) and to shift the center of gravity more toward the back.
+ The downside...a HUGE heat generator in the middle of the tub and right beside the battery. Battery's don't like excessive heat.
+ Even though the battery is easy to access (for infrequently changes), the hydraulic filter is hard to access (even though this filter is changed frequently).
+ I don't like a plastic gas tank. Doesn't seem as safe as a metal tank.
To me, the biggest problem is the muffler location. Cooling air flowing across the cylinders is combined with a hot muffler and then "forced" to turn 90 degrees in a small space to escape. This can't be an efficient design from an air flow perspective.