Pavman -

you might take a look at this current thread...

Here is a link that might be useful: x500 thread

Both dealers are close in proximity, and both have good service reputations. I have read about the level issue on the 500's and that makes me a bit leary. I'm trying to justify the extra expense for the JD by gauging the responses of owners like yourselves.
Have you done any maintenance on your own on the JD...is it fairly simple to do oil changes, etc...?

I found additional bad reviews for the Cub Cadets which are consistent to what I've been hearing.
http://www.compacttractorreview.com/review/Cub-Cadet/GT2554.aspx

Decision made...I'll grab the John Deere!

The link below shows what a guy who lives near me thought of his Cub Cadet a couple of years ago. For the record, I have no clue what caused it to burn.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:341438}}

i have not had to do any maintenance yet, almost to teh initial oil change though. but from looking it over most things seem pretty easy to do. mine the deck was out of level on delivery. but i leveled it and all was fine. one thing though, the dial can be turned all the way around and get off. when i first got mine even with teh dial set to 1.5" the deck would only go down the 3", but with ti at 4" the deck would go to the ground. i turned the dial one full turn and all markings were lined up correctly. even after cutting my ROUGH yard, the deck is still just where i set it.

I have a 2500 series Cub and it seems to be fine but I have owned a JD and if I were spending that much time in the seat, I would consider moving up. I doubt you would regret it. I suspect the JD would make you happier.

If both dealers are in close proximity have each of them bring one out so you can see how they perform on your conditions.

I don't know guys. I have about 3 acres of really bad terrain (think idiot pre-owners who thought a farm spot was exclusively for mudding and four wheeling). Just got a Cub 2554 and am extremely pleased with it. The Deere is about 1500-2000 more for what I deemed, essentially, the same type of product. Extremely well made, cast iron axles, machined aluminum front end parts. Kohler 2 cyl. engine. I'd go Cub.