I did my first oil change on my GTH2254XP. The only problem I encountered was finding the plastic drain tube. I think the wife tossed it out. But once I got me a new tube there were no prblems.
Today I bought a Craftsman GT5000 24hp/48" deck. I did get the drain tube with it. I won't need to change the oil for a little while but I guess I'll need that tube when I do!
Now see, if you guys would have bought the higher priced Deere like the other guy (who just got a LX-280) and me (who recently got an excellent used GT235 for $2100.) you wouldn't need those plastic tubes /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Mine has a steel pipe coming out beyond the frame and my previous LT133 had a hard plastic pipe sticking out beyond the frame. See what the exta money will buy ya?!
Sounds like you did pretty good! Well... I think I can handle the ol' plastic tube! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif And for a little under $2k, I got a pretty good machine and it only needs to last me a few years until I build. The only JD's under $2k didn't seem to "tough" to me.
Go down to your local ACE Hdwr and get a couple feet of 1/2" Tygon tubing. Nice and flexible, and when you're done hang it up on a hook so the residual oil can drip out and it'll be ready for next time. Get it long enough to easily reach to the drain pan/drain jug.