I went through the same problem, trying to decide between the 60 and 54" deck, went with the 60, it gets me closer to trees, heavier and built better than the 54". also got the rear power bagger(my wife uses the mulch in her garden) Its a bit expensive, but what the hell, I deserve it! I run r4 tires and they do not tear up the grass unless I take a sharp turn at high speed. you might want to see if your wheels are on the widest setting, if not flip them, one side to the other and that will give you a little more width and make your 4100 a little more stable on slopes. as ar as mulching, I have heard of buying after market mulching blades and then just blocking the chute opening, don't know good that works though.