My 420 had the hand control, and i actually liked it. When i went to the 1025R it was a big jump.
I cut my teeth on a 314. When we got an x500 it was amazing and the salesman said “you won’t wanna go back”.
Now. I suppose for just mowing it’s fine. But for me, when I’m working with the 1025 I got a hand on the scv joystick, one on the spinner knob, and a foot to operate my drive. I couldn’t imagine doing much work with hydraulics with a hand hydro. I’m gonna sell the blade and hitch I have because I would prefer a foot drive snow tractor.
To each their own. I guess a 300 series has no need for separate cruise control lever lol