Hi all (waves). My name is Paul and I am from St. Louis, Missouri. I cut a 1/2 acre and use the following equipment. Simplicity Conquest with the Kohler Courage engine, LawnBoy Silver Series 2 stroke, Red Max trimmer and a McClane edger. The 1/2 acre has some big hills and I love that fact the Conquest has a locker on it. Sounds like overkill and maybe it is but nothing like smoking a good cigar riding the Conquest. I also have purchased a backup LawnBoy when the silver goes kaboom. 2 Strokes and steep slopes are made for each other.