I purchased a DX40 hydro with FEL in July, replacing a Deere 420 with bad hydros. A great tractor! I am doing a lot of FEL work as we're filling in a stock tank. One of the best features is the FEL uses the same quick-attach as a Bobcat or skid steer. I can switch between a bucket and pallet forks in about a minute. Transmission has a High-Neutral-Low selector lever, and then a high-low switch within each range. The switch is on the right fender, but also on the FEL joystick, so you can switch ranges without moving your hands. Tilt steering wheel, swiveling seat, plenty of power, I really like this tractor. My Case dealer was very easy to deal with, and fixed one minor problem (hydraulic leak) in my pasture. An advantage of dealing with someone who supports construction equipment!
Negatives: There are 4 filters that need replacing (oil, fuel, hydro, and steering) and they are ALL hard to get at. Get a set of the slip-on filter caps you can turn with a socket wrench, or a vertical strap wrench. A standard band-type filter wrench is useless. My 50-hour cost me $85 in filters - should have had the dealer throw in the first set. The FEL does not come standard with a front guard; see if you dealer will throw it in (mine did). Definitely fill the back tires - the ride is too bouncy and heavy loader work will tip it without filled tires.
Bottom line: I paid no more for a 40-hp Case/Farmall than quotes for a 32-hp Deere or Kubota. Spent 10 hours on it one day and felt great. Haven't found anything it won't do.
