Ater using both the verdict is no contest . I miss the hydrostat but the ehss is smooth . Both tractors have there place doing some of the same type loader work.The 55 has more hp and hauls more the 40 gets closer to objects and seems to like stops on hills better. They both manuver good but the 55 has alot more speed choices with the power to work . I miss the 40 dual power on the joy stick i find myself wanting to change speeds there. Also i was a left hand person on a right and machine the controlls are different in a day or so i should get this down. There was no steering issues or ehss on the 55. The weight of the tractors the 40 had calcium in the rear tires it would handle itself good the 55 needs the tires filled yet to see how stable it is going to be.So far i would buy either tractor again .Both tractors do alot more than they should for there size i guess i say that since i used an older ford 2wd for many years.It would break a axle on level ground if you didnt take it slow but we got the job done and thats what counts .