I like the size of my B26 but I am finding that it just doesn't lift quite enough when I am on a job site. I need to be able to pick up a loaded skid of block or other material and they are typically around 2,000 pounds. As a result I have been considering upgrading to an L45.
The other thing I have decided is that I do not want to freeze in the winter anymore so I want to get a good cab. I have decided that when I do it, I will get the Laurin cab for either the B26 (if I decide not to upgrade) or the L45.
Adding the Laurin cab with heat and A/C seems to be in the $10,000 - $12,000 range no matter the machine. Therefore assuming a $25,000 trade-in for my B26 I am probably looking at an additional $30,000 to step up to the L45 with a cab.
As I was wrestling with this dilemma, I found a used M59 with less than 500 hours and a Laurin cab already installed on it for $57,000. Looking at the specs, the M59 is not a lot heavier or larger than an L45 so I am interested in hearing from those of you who looked at both and purchased one or the other your reasons for choosing one over the other. In my case the dollar difference is about the same so I am looking for functional advantages as opposed to cost ones.
The other thought I am considering is that I do not do a lot of backhoe work in the winter time anyway so maybe I should consider a used tracked skid steer in the $30,000 range that can lift a ton or more and would have a heated cab for work on the job site. This would allow me to leave the B26 at home for winter snow removal (without a cab).
I would appreciate any insight you folks can provide to assist me in making this decision.
The other thing I have decided is that I do not want to freeze in the winter anymore so I want to get a good cab. I have decided that when I do it, I will get the Laurin cab for either the B26 (if I decide not to upgrade) or the L45.
Adding the Laurin cab with heat and A/C seems to be in the $10,000 - $12,000 range no matter the machine. Therefore assuming a $25,000 trade-in for my B26 I am probably looking at an additional $30,000 to step up to the L45 with a cab.
As I was wrestling with this dilemma, I found a used M59 with less than 500 hours and a Laurin cab already installed on it for $57,000. Looking at the specs, the M59 is not a lot heavier or larger than an L45 so I am interested in hearing from those of you who looked at both and purchased one or the other your reasons for choosing one over the other. In my case the dollar difference is about the same so I am looking for functional advantages as opposed to cost ones.
The other thought I am considering is that I do not do a lot of backhoe work in the winter time anyway so maybe I should consider a used tracked skid steer in the $30,000 range that can lift a ton or more and would have a heated cab for work on the job site. This would allow me to leave the B26 at home for winter snow removal (without a cab).
I would appreciate any insight you folks can provide to assist me in making this decision.