Newbie Deere 26G vs 35G worth the upgrade? Cab's worth it as well? 8000 lb max tow

Shawk · Jul 30, 2018

For me I've had no regrets going with the little bigger machine. Around here, I see a ton of 35G/35D's on construction sites and very few 17 or 27's. So I think I made the right call since resale was a big part of my thinking as well. It seems like I see more 35's by far than anything... then an occasional 50 or the smaller 26/27 machines.
As far as performance... the 35 has been fantastic... it won't handle the biggest jobs but I've certainly had moments I was glad I didn't buy anything smaller.
Best wishes!!

I'll add one more thing... I'm SO glad I went with the cab as well... keeps the bugs away, and the A/C & heat has been nice to have!! I wouldn't buy another without it now (at least in an excavator... my tractor doesn't have a cab and I'd prefer it that way for now)

finn1 · Jul 31, 2018

I ended up opting for the smaller, 26G canopy excavator over the 35g cab model.

The 35G, as equipped, was a $19k price jump, partially because of the cab, long arm, added counterweight, and hydraulic swivel blade.

I couldn’t justify the added cost for a personal use machine that operates in sandy soil, and will see perhaps fifty hours per year. It’s a toy, basically.

If it won’t do the job, I can always upgrade, albeit at a cost. The dealer is almost completely out of excavator inventory for this season, and they have three stores in two states. Lightly used units sell almost immediately (which is why I opted for new), so I should be ok.

I did talk to a contractor I know who just added a 60G and 17G to supplement the older Bobcat excavator in his equipment inventory.

He and one of his guys remarked how versatile and useful even the 17G was for construction projects, s I am anxiously awaiting delivery of the 26G.

kevinwak · Jul 31, 2018

So cool. Wish I could buy one of these but my usage would be so very low

finn1 · Jul 31, 2018

I sold my John Deere skid steer last year for exactly what I paid for it ten years earlier. I bought it expecting to use it for a couple of projects-and sell it, but ten years went past very quickly.

At some point in life you realize that waiting to do the things you want to do isn’t always possible. Time marches on, and I’m not getting any younger... as long as it isn’t taking food off the table, why not?

The other issue that sort of drove me to the smaller machine is that it is, at least marginally, within my current trailer’s capacity. A new trailer would have been another $3500-5500.