riding lawn mowers

[kalianna]

We are finally succumbing to age and thinking about getting a ride-on lawn mower, which we know nothing about.  We have a one acre, mostly grass, mostly level property. Any advice on what to get and what maintenance and repair are involved would be greatly appreciated.  Hereʻs some specific questions:

What brands are good or to be avoided?
What kind of maintenance is involved?
Where can it be repaired?
Are there electric alternatives?
What are the limitations with ground slope and protruding rocks?
Where is the best place/worst place to purchase? 

Mahalo in advance for your suggestions.