In the heart of the Czech Republic, farmer Jiří Hložek from Vážany nad Litavou manages a 190-hectare family farm focused primarily on crop production. The farm grows food and feed wheat, barley, peas, meadow hay, and alfalfa, serving horse and livestock breeders. While farm machinery is central to his daily operations, it’s the Bobcat E27 compact excavator that’s become his favorite tool—not only for its functionality but also as a source of relaxation, even in the face of serious health challenges.
From Rental Hassles to Full Ownership
Like many farmers, Jiří occasionally needed an excavator for landscaping or drainage. Renting, however, proved inefficient and unreliable. With the closest rental shop located in Brno, transporting machinery back and forth was cumbersome, and equipment was not always available on the needed date. Contracting companies was another alternative, but unpredictable weather often halted work—though fees still had to be paid.
Inspired by his visits to German and Austrian farms—where small-scale farmers frequently own excavators and lend them among neighbors—Jiří began searching for a used machine. However, most secondhand options were in poor condition and came with little to no information from sellers. Realizing that maintenance issues would quickly follow, Jiří shifted focus to buying new.
Choosing Bobcat—A Decision Based on Trust and Quality
Initially considering a smaller Bobcat E19, Jiří was ultimately convinced to invest in the more powerful Bobcat E27, a 2.7-tonne machine. The E27 turned out to be the perfect fit for his needs, offering strength, simplicity, and ease of use.
“I didn’t want to spend my time fixing leaks or breakdowns like we did back in the ’90s,” Jiří explains. “I want to work comfortably, and the E27 lets me do just that.”
He praised the professional and welcoming approach of the Bobcat team in Brno, contrasting it with less responsive experiences at other dealerships. Jiří also took advantage of Bobcat’s favorable financing options, making the new machine an even more attractive investment.
Built for Reliability and Versatility
The Bobcat E27 is powered by a Kubota three-cylinder engine known for reliability, minimal electronics, and mechanical fuel injection. This compact excavator excels in small-scale earthmoving, offering high maneuverability, powerful performance, and user-friendly controls.
Most of Jiří’s work with the E27 is done using a slope plough, although he frequently switches between two sizes of toothed buckets for excavation and a hydraulic grab for handling timber. A hydraulic quick coupler system makes attachment changes easy, directly from the operator’s seat. He’s also considering a mulcher to expand the machine’s versatility. The long arm, homologated as a hook carrier, is used for lifting and placing logs, concrete curbs, and more.
Working Through Adversity
For more than two decades, Jiří has lived with a serious autoimmune condition that affects his mobility. Despite these challenges, he continues to operate the E27 with full efficiency, often getting into the cab himself or with help from his son.
“Once I’m in the excavator, I’m as capable as anyone,” he says. “Everything is controlled with levers and joysticks. There’s no clutch, no strain. It’s like therapy for me.”
A Personal Bond with the Brand
Jiří’s relationship with Bobcat goes beyond business. His enthusiasm for the brand was evident when he and his son visited Bobcat’s booth at the Agrotechnika trade fair in Germany, where he made a lasting impression on the team.
“Mr. Hložek’s attitude is truly inspiring,” said David Frodl, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Doosan Bobcat EMEA. “He proves that physical limitations don’t have to limit your potential. He’s a living example that determination—and the right equipment—can overcome any obstacle.”
About Bobcat
Founded in 1958, Bobcat is a global leader in compact equipment, offering a wide range of machines including loaders, excavators, and telehandlers. Its EMEA headquarters is located in Dobříš, Czech Republic, where a state-of-the-art facility houses manufacturing, innovation, and training centers. With a production capacity of 30,000 machines annually, Bobcat equipment is exported around the globe. The brand is part of the Doosan Bobcat Group, a division of the Doosan Group.
