I don't know why everybody thinks gasket making with a ball pein hammer is a dying art. It is still taught in TAFE's in Australia as part of mechanics, diesel fitters and mechanical fitters trades.
Personally I would rather mark it out and cut it with scissors than hammer it out. Much neater than using a ball pein. The best cutters I have used are the Sidchrome heavy duty bent shears . I have never torn a gasket cutting one out, I have accidentally cut too far though:)

yes good sharp tools make all the difference. and like i said you can just tap it enough to mark it and then cut it with shears.
as usual everyone has their way of doing stuff and it really doesn't matter as long as it works and the end result is correct. and yes i prefer factory cut gaskets too but sometimes your hrs away from a dealer or its now made of gold or unobtanium.

those hoses are starting to rot and may burst spray em with penetrating oil and see if you can get the outer collar to wind off the hose, 

i think they might be field serviceable as there is no crimp marks on the fittings.

if not any hydraulic hose joint can make up hoses for you they are code61 (note later model cat code 61 fittings have a thicker oring flange and a spacer ring is required if using aftermarket fittings with cat bolt flanges, all good shops have the spacers.)