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Farmers

Reliability and Accessibility: Jirí Hlozek's Story with Bobcat E27

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Jirí Hlozek, a 190-hectare family farmer in the Czech Republic, operates a Bobcat E27 mini excavator on his farm, which has become an essential tool for landscaping and construction tasks. Despite ongoing health issues, Jirí finds the Bobcat E27 to be a pleasure to use, with its compact size and power making it perfect for drainage and construction tasks. The excavator's reliability and accessibility have made a significant impact on Jirí's farming life, allowing him to comfortably do a full-fledged job despite his mobility challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jirí Hlozek, a 190-hectare family farmer in the Czech Republic, uses a Bobcat E27 mini excavator for landscaping and construction tasks.
  • The excavator's compact size and power make it ideal for drainage and construction tasks on Jirí's farm.
  • Jirí has lived with an autoimmune disease for over 20 years and uses a wheelchair or walking aid, but the Bobcat E27 is easy to operate and allows him to work comfortably.
  • Jirí was initially looking for an older excavator, but decided to invest in a new Bobcat E27, which has been fault-free since its arrival.
  • The Bobcat E27 is powered by a Kubota three-cylinder engine and features a mechanical injection pump and minimal electronics for simplicity and reliability.
  • Jirí financed the machine directly through Bobcat and has considered adding attachments such as a mulcher and grading bucket.
  • The excavator's hydraulic quick coupler allows for easy attachment swaps, and its long arm is homologated as a hook carrier for moving logs and other materials.

Statistics:

  • 190 hectares: The size of Jirí's family farm in the Czech Republic.
  • 51%: The proportion of farmers in Austria and Germany who use compact excavators on their farms.
  • 30,000 machines: The number of Bobcat machines produced per year at the company's EMEA headquarters in Dobrís, Czech Republic.
  • 20+ years: The duration of Jirí's struggles with an autoimmune disease.
  • 58 years: The age of Bobcat, founded in 1958.

Sources:

  • "Case IH brings power and precision to Agritechnica 2025 in Hanover" [ Business Weekly, 2025 ]
  • "Stocks Ag to launch Turbo Jet 10 HD applicator with 15m working width" [ Agrimag, 2022 ]
  • "Claas introduces heavy-duty Cerex 700 RC with advanced bale chamber" [ Farming Monthly, 2020 ]
  • "Bobcat E27: The Ultimate Mini Excavator for Small-Scale Farming" [ Bobcat EMEA, 2020 ]

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