Sounds like you will do well with either the 444 or the deer, but 2 quick things to consider if you are on the fence about which to choose.
One- is your yard flat or on a slope? If it is on a slope, you might want to consider the tractor with the lower engine for center of gravity. My grandad had a cub cadet with a high engine, and it was unstable on inclines. My dad's fords and the Deere I think have lower engine centers of gravity. I don't know how high the 444 engine sits. Again- might not even be a factor.
Two- rear attachment points. I think the deer can take a 3 point hitch. Here's another self gratuitous pic of a 2 point hitch I made, daughter and a basket I use on my LGT. You may not be interested in that kind of stuff, but the rear basket on mine has been awesome.
Post pics if you buy it!
R
Also to VincentVega, if you get a tractor, just get a blade, the snowblowers are very labor intensive and catch rocks. I restored it for the fun factor, but usually use a blade unless the snow is super deep.