Hey BJ
I'm the one that posted the thred Jim is talking about.
I wound up buying a '55 that does have hydrolics, but only because the tractor was in better condition (and I like the model year better). Really had nothing to do with hydrolics or not.
If I where going to get a Cub that was going to be worked a lot then yea, I would get hydrolics. If it is going to be a "toy" that may work a little IMHO a hand lift would suit me just fine.
Plus I kinda like the look of the hand lift when they are painted blue.
Guy