Turning Dirt Into a Homestead With a Bobcat Loader

Two years ago, John Lang and Janessa Denman traded city life for wide-open space, purchasing 44 acres of untouched land in rural Colorado. With a vision of raising their family and livestock on a self-sustaining homestead, they set out to build everything themselves—from driveways and barns to fencing and eventually their forever home. Their journey has been powered by determination, long days and a dependable Bobcat T66 compact track loader.

Building a Homestead From the Ground Up

When the Langs purchased the property, the land was completely untouched.

“There was nothing here when we bought it,” John says. “No driveway, no buildings—just open land. Everything here, we built ourselves.”

Turning raw acreage into a functional homestead takes discipline and heavy lifting. Daily projects range from clearing brush and prepping building sites to maintaining pastures and constructing fences. To keep progress moving, the family depends on their Bobcat® T66 compact track loader and a set of versatile attachments.

The Right Tools for Big Jobs

The Langs rely on their T66 for nearly every major project. For fencing, a 12-inch auger attachment makes quick work of drilling post holes—a job that would take nearly an hour by hand.

“With the auger, I can dig a hole in 15 seconds,” John says. “By hand, it would take 45 minutes to an hour.”

Their hay fork attachment allows them to move 1,200-pound bales for their horses and Highland cattle, while the loader’s standard bucket helps with spreading gravel, leveling ground, clearing debris and prepping foundations.

John puts it simply:

“I depend on my Bobcat T66 100%—almost as much as my truck. It makes every job easier.”

Comfort and Reliability in Harsh Conditions

Colorado weather can swing from 115-degree heat to snowy, freezing winters, making comfort and reliability essential for long workdays.

The T66’s enclosed cab, air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity make long hours easier and more manageable. Beyond comfort, the machine delivers the durability needed for rocky terrain, uneven ground and heavy workloads.

“Bobcat machines hold up in tough conditions,” John says. “Whether it’s scorching heat or rough terrain, I know my T66 will get the job done.”

A Dealer That Makes the Difference

The Langs credit Bobcat of the Rockies for helping them choose Bobcat and keeping their progress on track. From service to parts availability, dealer support has been a major factor in staying productive.

“A good dealer makes all the difference,” John explains. “They always have what I need, and they go above and beyond every time.”

Looking Ahead on the Homestead

With fencing underway, a new barn planned, areas for horse training in development and construction beginning on their home, the Langs still have years of projects ahead. But with commitment—and the right equipment—they’re steadily building the future they imagined.

As John sums up:

“I’m rough on my equipment, and my Bobcat T66 handles it all. We couldn’t do this without it.”