Bam, I liked you jeep going up the rock. I live in Ky, have just a little redneck in me and also have a custom rock crawling rig. I live near sea level but im still leaning towards the deer for some of the points you pointed out. If Kubota had a larger hp on basically the same frame i would be looking at it. I always believe getting all the engine possible in the size tractor im considering. I also like the deer's cab a little better, its quieter, the brake peddles are opposite the hydrostat peddle, able to use the brakes for steering if needed, the deer has a air seat, the 4wd engagement is located on the dash, a better location not to hit with your foot, preasurised cab with filter, load match, "a biggie to me" the loader comes off much easier with the deer. I like the optional transmission cooler on the deer. The deer also has a sloped hood with sloped loader and more hp and torque as you mentioned. The kubota has a few things I like better, it seems to have a beafier front axle, a beefier three point hitch with cat 1/2 possibilities and manual cruise contro.l I spoke with the deer's shop foerman and mechanic and also a rental fleet person for the john deer, they have not had any trouble out of the 4720 front axle, three point hitch nor has any of the commercial landscapers I have spoken with had any trouble. When I started my intensive research three weeks I really believed I would end up with the Kubota, but the deer is winning out and I believe in the next 2 weeks I will probably order. I also like the location of the deer's fuel tank, it is built into the cab's fender configuration and is approx 5 gallons larger, the engine also is a USA powertech diesel not yanmar and made in Georgia. I have made a trip to the factory to see where they are made. The deer's cab is the nicest cab I have ever seen on a small tractor and its not made overseas, its made it waterloo,thanks for your reply Chase