One of the JD X7xx series will certainly do the job but you will find that by the time you equip it as you want it will be the same price as a sub cut which is a lot more tractor.

Look at the new JD 1 series or the 2305 it is replacing which has proven itself in the field. I'd also take a hard look at the Kubota BX series.

Either is a good choice and the better local dealer would be the decider for me.

Good advice , the dealer can make all the difference , no matter what he sells...
What is a "sub cut" ?
If money is of little object, then I'd go for a Diesel with 4 wheel drive.

sub cut = sub compact utility tractor

JD X7xx is available with awd (4wd) and diesel and both the JD and Kubota sub cuts are diesel and AWD (4wd)

My thanks to those of you who have been kind enough to reply and help me. I really am out of my element here and very much appreciate your assistance. If I can get the deer and elk to leave the garden alone next season I might have something to add to the forum...most likely a compendium of errors and what not to do.

Here's yet another repost of Slammer's Rules...

1. Carefully evaluate the size mower you need and buy at least one size larger.

2. NEVER buy a mower from ANYPLACE that will not let you test drive it or at least a similar model. Ergonomics are just as important as performance and capability.
(Vitally important!)

3. DO NOT base your purchase on price or brand name alone! Do proper research and find all of the available models that fit your criteria and haggle, save, or trade to get the right equipment for the job. Do not compromise!

If you follow these three tips you will end up a happy camper with just the right unit for the job. If you disregard this advice your gonna end up with one or the other of the following problems:

A. Buyers remorse. Stuck with a piece of junk or simply a unit inadequate for the task at hand.

Or..

B. A teed off spouse when you start shopping for another tractor just 3 - 6 months down the road because you didn't buy the right unit in the first place.

Thank you again. I went to a local JD dealer yesterday (shopping around) and he had a used (can't remember the model will check) unit with mower deck, full hard cab with glass window and a snowblower which is coming off to be attached to a new unit for trade in. Would need to add rear PTO for tilling. The unit has 292 hrs on it and "looks" to be in good condition. I will check on model and more particulars Monday or Tues., and put info here if you wish to offer your thoughts, (for which I would be grateful).

I also need to get an ATV (2 miles to the mailbox on dirt road making a 4 mile round trip) and want to keep all costs to a reasonable level. I am not the Bank of America , so cost is a consideration. Would be nice to have a side by side 2 place 4WD ATV with dump box to recover deer and elk next season, plus to use on the mountain trails behind the property with the lady who insists on sharing my life. I'm too old to try running the trails like when I was a kid, besides the area has lots of mountain lions and imported Arctic 200 lb. wolves and the .454 Casull throws my balance off. Am considering Polaris but might consider the JD Gator if I can work a bundle.

Here in Indiana I pay 7% sales tax plus transportation to Montana where there is no sales tax...(don't all line up at the border guys). There is a smaller selection of dealers in Montana though, with lots of miles between them, so ground work is done here with the possibility of a purchase if a good unit is available.

Just wound deer and elk in the field then march them at gunpoint to the truck where they meet their end... cuts down on hauling.

Bitterroot: My 2 cents go with the Kubota for both the Tractor and Utility Vehicle . I would seriously consider the Diesel Option and 4WD . As for your Elk and Deer.Forward your address and I'll pack over my Weatherby 300 Mag and Drop , Skin , Debone and even Smoke some Venision and Elk Jerky for You lol :)