I don't think even the biggest 3 series JD's will lift 1500lb to well, but will probably lift a full bucket of gravel good enough, with some 3 pt weight.
I went with the least hp in a bigger frame which isn't bad for dirt work, general mucking around stuff, wheelbarrowing dead cars around, lifting things. Not so good for running a round baler, and I wonder how it would do with a 7' snowblower since we are getting 1' snowfalls of dense snow this year.
Typically Kioti, Mahindra, Branson give you the lowest price/pound of tractor, and kubota and JD seem to cost the most/pound. But figure out what dealers are in your range, and then collect some specs and prices on the models you can get and see what you come up with as the "winner". Then take if for a test drive to see if its comfortable to you.
I would say its usually better to go bigger than you think, unless want to cut the grass with it, or get into some tight spots.