Residential Contractor Stays Ahead with a Variety of Compact Equipment

Bryon Glotzbach

Specializing in tight-access construction and repair work, Byron Glotzbach, Topeka, Kan., has built his successful business around versatile and dependable Bobcat® equipment. When he began 21 years ago, he was one of the few in the area that relied solely on a skid-steer loader. Over the years he's owned various Bobcat models, including his current S160 skid-steer loader and several Bobcat attachments. He provides services ranging from leveling yards and tearing out patios, to excavating for half- basements and removing snow.

Over time, however, he began facing increased competition from others who also recognized the value of skid-steer loaders for saving time and labor. So, to set himself apart from the pack and fuel growth of his business, several years ago Glotzbach added a Bobcat T250 compact track loader. Last year, he added a Bobcat 435 compact excavator, further strengthening his competitive position and bolstering his growth prospects even more.

"I work by myself almost all the time and my Bobcat equipment has helped my business grow," he says.

The T250 gives him the flotation to keep earning money in wet weather and the breakout and lifting capabilities to take on more and bigger jobs such as loading large dump trucks and constructing lateral fields for septic systems.

The 435 has allowed Glotzbach to grow his business in still other directions, including digging trenches for water, electrical and sewer lines and excavating small ponds.

A 435 Zero House Swing excavator like this one has enabled Byron Glotzbach to grow his business.

His choice of work-saving Bobcat equipment enables Glotzbach's business to continue growing for several reasons:

More job opportunities.
"With the Bobcat equipment I have I can take on a wide variety of different types of jobs, whether it's building a retaining wall or repairing large parking lots."

Working efficiently.
"Most of my jobs involve working in small spaces, such as backyards at homes which are being packed in tighter and tighter," Glotzbach explains. "By setting the wheels in, I can get my S160 through an opening that's just 5-ft.-wide and the house on my 435 swings completely around within the width of the tracks."

A longer work season.
As he points out, the flotation and traction of his rubber tracked T250 loader and 435 excavator allow him to work year round. "If I didn't have this equipment I'd be sitting home in the winter when it's wet," he says. "Now, when customers call in the winter, I can do the work."

Rugged machines.
He also profits from the durability and reliability of his Bobcat equipment. "My equipment is hardly ever down," Glotzbach says. "My customers know that they can depend on me to show up and complete the job when I say I will."

Helpful dealer.
Quick response from his Bobcat dealer, White Star Machinery, Topeka, also helps Glotzbach's profit picture. "If they can, they'll help me troubleshoot any problem on the phone so that I can fix it myself and keep on working," he says.

Technological improvements.
Glotzbach usually trades his equipment about every three years or 1,600 to 2,000 hours. That allows him to capitalize on continued advances in Bobcat equipment. "The engineers keep improving the productivity and efficiency of the machines while still keeping them compact," he says.

No doubt about it. Bobcat equipment is one big reason why Glotzbach's business has grown in the past and promises to keep growing in the future. "I've been very satisfied with my Bobcat machines," he says. "They've all been good for my business."