CentralVA,
I just got back from our Home Depot, and they no longer have any 2554's there. In fact, it looks like all of the Scotts are a new design, at least cosmetically. There wasn't anything that looked to be all that impressive, but then maybe their stock is depleted of better machines. Anyway, apparently the 2554 does not have a PTO. Also, if I remember correctly, it was almost $200 to put a sleeve hitch on it, which is what you would need to be able to put any implements behind it (plow, blade, etc.). Then there's the problem of finding sleeve hitch equipment. Agri-fab and Brinley-Hardy are the only two I know of that still make the stuff, although there ought to be some JD-branded ones too (I have no idea if they manufacture them). You could also look at Sears, which I think are re-branded Agri-Fab's.
If Home Depot is turning over a new line of Scotts, then maybe you could do some bargaining on the 2554? It sounds like you may eventually want to move up to something in the small CUT market, but as an interim, perhaps a reduced-cost one might be economically feasible? Have you considered going with something used? I hear that there are some JD models in the 5-10 year old range that are reasonably priced. The advantage is, they've already depreciated about as much as they will, and if you take reasonably good care of it, you ought to be able to re-sell it in a few years for nearly what you paid for it. That way, if you decide you need to step up later, you won't be out a bunch of money. I'm sure there's some JD owners around here that could advise you better on specifics. Just some thoughts.
Kevin
