Our Walkers we would not trade. we have 1) 20hp, 1) 25hp and a new 26EFI all with GHS handling system with different side and mulching decks. First opt to buy the 26EFI with a 48"GHS system and purchase the 52" deck, the reason on the 52 over the 54 is the 52 is belt driven and if you hit anything the belts slip, as the 54 is gear driven and can get nasty if you hit something. Plus after owning the decks we opted for the 52" for its clean cut. Now for your hill issue By the bagging GHS model, Walker sells the pickup type bed seperately so when you do big hill take the bagger of but I can tell you that we put the all terrain tires on ours and its night and day, we climb and mow hill sideways that will almost roll the machine over even with the GHS system. What to buy 2001 Walker 26EFI 48"GHS system, 52" side discharge deck, tail lock, all terrain tires and you can mow most any hill. Feel free to contact us for we have been using these mowers for a while. We lease ours through Telmark which is a agrilcuture loaning provider, GOOD LUCK!!