The 301 does a tremendous job. I sold my brand new Pfaff creative vision last year and bought 3 301s. I also have a 401 and 403 for piecing and zig zag. The 301s are precise, reliable, and can quilt very densely. I found an all metal FMQ foot and have a vintage Singer walking foot. As far as the foot pedal getting hot, see the other thread about that, but I swap pedals when one gets too hot. You can buy a different kind. eBay always has some. The 401/403 does not drop the feed dogs, but raises the needle plate for FMQ which I find unsatisfactory. The slant needles have no problems FMQ. They are gear driven and very smooth.
Linda