I don't know if it's similar, but my mower engine cover lifts up. Over time, it lost the the little vibration dampeners. So, I put weatherstripping between the metal and plastic. It's worked fine for a few years.
Have fun with your modification.
From what I understand, every tractor requires some learning. It's not like they are exactly like a car/truck.
I guess I'm lucky that I fall into the camp of I'm used to the treadle, and it's no issue for me. In practice, I never use the brakes other than for...
I own a L2501HST and use it for all of the general purpose stuff on my property. It’s a great tractor. Compared to your LX2620, it’s quite a bit larger/heavier with more torque and can lift the same weight higher.
I have the QH15.
First, think about how often you will change attachments. I've found the quick hitch in the way to hook PTO driven attachments. However, I don't use them that much. I've also found that I need different top link settings for each attachment.
Second, the adjustable top...
If your engines predate DPFs, yes, they don't have them. I'm specifically pointing out that there are engines/models that shipped with DPFs except for those that the federal agencies bought. You can read more at fordtrucks.com if you care.
Maybe, but more likely is you are using the tractor the way they designed the regens to work. They "could" change their design to match how gear tractor users use them.
Yes, it has to be stupid. You aren't smart enough to put the diesel engine in regen. (Ha Ha) Well, that's what the EPA thinks. Curiously, many federal agency trucks don't have DPFs. Weird how that happens. It's almost like they know they are going to be unreliable.
In the real world, it's...
If you don't know if it will go or not, I hope your luck holds out.
I also hope the snow isn't deep or slick unless you have other arrangements to clear your driveway, or you have nowhere to go.
I think it depends on how long of a path you are clearing and how wide. If it's short path/driveway, it won't make much difference and if it's long and narrow, I'd prefer an angle blade.