Trading a Case 580 backhoe for a JK 450 crawler/loader pros and cons?

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Guy at work ask me today if I would be interested in trading his JD 450 crawler/loader for my Case 580 backhoe. His JD is in great shape and runs well. So does my backhoe.
I'm been thinking about all the pros and cons of such a trade. The crawler has pads on the tracks to keep it from tearing up the road, but I don't think I would want to drive it on roads anyway. I don't like the fact it's around 10 tons, which would be over the limit of my dually. I think I can still haul it, but it will not be far/often with such a heavy machine. But then again, this gives me a reason to looking into a 2 ton dually.
I know I'm going to tear the ground up more with the crawler, but the tracks will allow me to go more places, esp. hills and softer ground. I like the fact I can use it as a dozer as well aa backhoe, since it has the 4 way bucket. I also like that it has a neutral on the bucket.

What are some other pros and cons on owning a crawler vs. a backhoe?


This isn't the actual crawler, but it looks like this and has the same attachments.






This a my backhoe. It's not new and shiny, but it runs great and is one of the more reliable machines I've have ever owned.

 

[pute62]

I'd keep the 580 myself. Tracks ain't cheap/easy to replace and parts may be a problem. Any JD is a heavy pig and like a jigsaw puzzle to work on.

 

[KJQ6945]

That is a very nice case. Is it a B model?
I'd keep it. The case can "drag" it self anywhere the the crawler can go. Tracks can be expensive to maintain. The case is very nice for its age, and easier to maintain. Again, I'd pass.

 

[Crbn79]

I gotta stick with the Case. Sure a track is nice, but unless you REALLY run into areas where you need a track, the potential headaches are HUGE. Patching a tire is easy, fixing a track SUCKS.

 

[scottka]

Yep, I agree. Keep the Case unless you decide you just have to have the Dozer capabilities. It'd be tough to get rid of one of my most reliable rigs unless it was a no-brainer.

 

[GlockRock]

Keep the Case.

 

[SMiller]

Backhoe will do so much more and the 580 is a solid old workhorse!

 

[patience0830]

Opportunity or necessity to do dozer work would be the key for me. I have some fencerows that I could really use a dozer to make short work of. My Kubota will do almost everything I ask of it. I just have to be careful what I ask sometimes.