I don't know what the selection is in New England, but zero turns are really bad on slopes So you really should get a riding mower. Get a craftsman or husqvarna, parts are easy to get, easy to maintain, and have a huge range of attachments. Maintenance is really hard on ZTRs because the engine is boxed in by the frame. Riding mowers are better on slopes because they have a steering wheel, instead of the casters on zero turns. I say get a more powerful riding mower, It will serve you well