Not sure if I am trading the B2650 yet. The dealer said it was probably worth about $17K, which is I think is a decent amount for a trade. The B2650 has a 72"MMM and loader. It only has 220 hours on it. I could probably get a bit more if I sell it myself, but if I trade it, it saves me on the sales tax. The B26 will be used on a new 7-acre property we just bought that needs extensive clean up.
I'd probably keep it for a couple of reasons.
1. you know it, you know its maintenance and foibles.... and it will be worth 17K or more for another 5 years/500 hrs. So it doesn't cost you anything and probably won't depreciate - not sure I can say the same about dollars.
2. I think you are going to find that you always have a use for a 3pt tractor - especialy as you get older. You don't list any 3pt arms on your B26. Even if you did I think you may find as I do that although it is possible to take off the backhoe and put on the arms they are heavy, awkward, and not at all handy.
Plus we need the BH as a "lift it and put it" crane with hydraulic thumb all week long. Doing what we used to lift and carry whe younger.
The result is I don't take off the BH and put on the 3pt. I strain my back instead. Sure wish I had kept my older 3pt tractor.
Right now I would like to do some landscape racking, a little bit of back blading, and sure would like to do some garden tilling come spring. But all of those are 3pt. activities.
And I need the BH on for firewood.
3. When you are using the backhoe to dig, you need somewhere to pile dirt. That's OK some places, but not at all OK if where you are digging is next to the garden or on the lawn. A pile of dirt leaves a mess. If you are digging in a landscaped area, one of the best places to put that dirt is into the FEL bucket of another tractor. You won't believe how handy this is until you do it.
4. It's just fun to have his and hers tractors
rScotty
