This is my first post, been reading for a while and learning a whole lot.
I am at a crossroads betweent the 2042 ($2699), 2544 ($3299) and the 1554 ($2999). I know the features for each and know that the 1554 is belt drive and the other two are shaft. The biggest difference engine-wise is that the 1554 is 27hp while the other are 18 and 20hp.
I have just over 2 acres, most of which is grass and very little of it is flat. The pitch of the hills isn't terrible but 99% of all mowing is on some hill or another. I also have a drainage swale that runs 200 feet along the frontage of the property. Other chores for whatever I get include hauling firewood, various soils and mulch, stone (either landscape projects or cleanup of natural stuff), and possibly adding a johnny bucket to deal with all the mulch I will move annually. Aerating and thatching are some other tasks as well.
Because of the hills I think the shaft drive would be the better choice so that narrows the decision to the 2042 or the 2544. I also think that the 2544 will deal with a front bucket better as well.
What I'm looking for from anyone willing to respond is some assurance that these are the right tractors, and ultimately which one of these, for the job(s).
I plan on making this purchase by the end of this October, but had read that the 06 models, specifically in the 2000 series were worth waiting for, can anyone elaborate on that and disclose when the 06 models will be announced?
Thanks much
I am at a crossroads betweent the 2042 ($2699), 2544 ($3299) and the 1554 ($2999). I know the features for each and know that the 1554 is belt drive and the other two are shaft. The biggest difference engine-wise is that the 1554 is 27hp while the other are 18 and 20hp.
I have just over 2 acres, most of which is grass and very little of it is flat. The pitch of the hills isn't terrible but 99% of all mowing is on some hill or another. I also have a drainage swale that runs 200 feet along the frontage of the property. Other chores for whatever I get include hauling firewood, various soils and mulch, stone (either landscape projects or cleanup of natural stuff), and possibly adding a johnny bucket to deal with all the mulch I will move annually. Aerating and thatching are some other tasks as well.
Because of the hills I think the shaft drive would be the better choice so that narrows the decision to the 2042 or the 2544. I also think that the 2544 will deal with a front bucket better as well.
What I'm looking for from anyone willing to respond is some assurance that these are the right tractors, and ultimately which one of these, for the job(s).
I plan on making this purchase by the end of this October, but had read that the 06 models, specifically in the 2000 series were worth waiting for, can anyone elaborate on that and disclose when the 06 models will be announced?
Thanks much