I'm not sure if I want to get the TC30 with Hydro or 9X3. My exact needs are cutting grass and driving in the woods to do clean-up work. I have a bad back and hips, and it's hard to work the clutch on my 9N when going from forward to reverse and when you engage the bush hog and go (no live pto). What I'd like to know is if the 9X3 works the same way for driving as the 9N (you put in in gear and go ). The reason I'm thinking about the 9X3 is when cutting I can put in gear and not keep my leg in one position ( if that's how it works ). If with the Hydro you have to keep you foot on the pedal when cutting for a few hours ( like driving a car ) my right leg and hip would hurt. On the other hand for stop and go and changing speeds in the woods I'm sure it would be easier with a Hydro. Any comments or idea's would help alot.