I have a 1428v Hydro, not sure if you are looking at a gear or hydro model, but they are nice little tractors. They seem to generate their horsepower at a lower rpm than the kubota/Deere competitors, so I assume that they have a little more torque at a given rpm. This is only an assumption because I could not find any published numbers on any of them in this size range. Nice smooth running motor, indirect injection = quiter motor, harder to start though than direct injection.
Price wise, not sure, I know what I paid for mine and I would think that if you could get this for 16 to 17K it would be a good deal ( - $500+- if gear).
DuaneW.