I have never run these two units side by side, but I have run other midframe sized machines verse large frame. The smaller unit is nice for smaller areas, can be easier to transport depending on how your set up. Kept in their element they can get a lot done for their size. However if you do a large variety of work that includes more substantial pushing and handling larger buckets, the large frame machines simply are much more productive. Putting more track on the ground, with more weight helps with the productivity. I have not looked at the specs of these two machines, but if you want the capacity to do larger jobs more frequently and with more productivity, I would spring for the 289. If you primarily do lighter duty projects with it, with the occasional bigger project, I would go with the 259 and save the money. I liked the smaller unit for prepping concrete and asphalt and those sorts of projects, not so much on backfilling, cutting substantial grade or loading trucks.