I'm firmly in the Sears camp...had 15HP 42" lawn tractor for 9 years, after which a huge tree fell on it in a storm and bent it out of shape. Ins. paid for a new 18HP, and I sold the old one to a friend for $100, and he was very glad to get it...rebent it into shape and it's now doing great on his place. A couple of things...if you have rough ground, as I do, eventually you'll probably want to put tubes in the tires. Automatics are definitely worth the extra (not much) money. As are iron frames. Also, as you spoke of a "slope" it might be a good idea to take a line of sight drawing with you when you go looking for a tractor, just to make sure slope is not too steep. A slope that feels like nothing on foot can be hair-raising/dangerous to traverse on a tractor. Instruction booklet come with drawing telling you safe angle. And I also agree w/no bagger if you're mowing more than just "lawn." Aside from the multiple emptyings problem, mowing dry wild grass/weeds drives seeds into fabric of bag, leaving it as prickly as a porcupine. And if you live at some distance from town especially, an extended service warranty is worth the money, just as insurance. I can't get my mower into my little truck, and un-warrantyed service call starts at $95, just for repair guy to come out.

I mowed by hand for a long, long time; I still feel like a queen every time I get on my lawn tractor...best money I ever spent.