Landscaper Develops Thriving Business with Bobcat Loaders

For the past 26 years, there has been just one brand in Roy Erikson’s fleet — Bobcat. Roy Erikson Outdoor Maintenance, Crestwood, Ill., relies on dependable Bobcat® skid-steer loaders and attachments to operate a successful landscaping and landscape maintenance operation for Chicago-area customers.

Erikson’s most recent skid-steer loader purchase was a K-Series S185 from Atlas Bobcat. Erikson says he quickly noticed some big improvements over his previous machines. “Our new S185 has a lot more power,” he says. “It runs like a champ … these new loaders are the Cadillacs of the industry.”

Much of Erikson’s business comes from homeowners who hire him for landscape renovations, but he says he also works for Fortune 500 corporations that have headquarters in the area. Having such companies as customers says a lot about Erikson’s success. He attributes his long-term accomplishments to his Bobcat equipment.

Bobcat skid-steer loaders remove grass, grade, seed, and place sod, reducing Erikson’s overall labor needs. “A Bobcat loader makes my life so much easier,” he says.

“It takes the place of three to five employees. We quickly and accurately accomplish a lot of work with Bobcat loaders. They are very mobile and can get into spots other equipment can’t.”

Snow Removal Generates Additional Revenue
When winter arrives in the Windy City, Erikson converts his landscaping business into a snow removal operation, putting his Bobcat equipment to further use.

He previously operated larger wheel loaders for snow removal, but eventually sold them in exchange for Bobcat loaders. “The wheel loaders were difficult to operate and transport, so we switched to Bobcat skid-steers,” he explains.

Erikson says skid-steer loaders are also faster than his plow trucks. “The Bobcat S185 runs circles around my trucks moving snow in parking lots … it makes them look foolish,” he says. “When we put a snow pusher on the front of the loader, we triple our productivity in a medium-size parking lot, and we do a cleaner job. Essentially, we can do more work in less time.”

Quality compact equipment and excellent service from Atlas Bobcat are reasons why Erikson hasn’t strayed from the industry leader. “I’ve had Bobcat equipment since I started in this business,” he says. “Today, we have three Bobcat skid-steer loaders — an S250 and two S185s. I’ve had a good relationship with Atlas Bobcat over the years. Anytime I need something, I call the dealership and I have it immediately.”

Over almost three decades, landscape contractor Roy Erikson has depended on his Bobcat equipment to keep his business going strong. Quality products and exceptional sales and service enabled Erikson to set himself apart in his field and he looks forward to continued success in years to come.

For more on Bobcat snow removal products, visit www.bobcat.com/snow.