Cidertom, I just got back from a trip with the terriers, and see that this thread may have played out. Nevertheless, I'll throw in my 2cents, just because I think the 2305 is the perfect crossing between mower and tractor. It's a mowing animal but has done every smoothing, grading, lifting, carrying, and pulling job I've given it (except for that locust stump that won't move). I'd highly recommend a foldable rops, as my wife did as much tree as grass trimming her first few times out. I'd also recommend loading the tires, even for mowing, unless your ground tends toward mushy or it's flat as a table.