Turning Dirt Into a Homestead With a Bobcat Loader

Two years ago, John Lang and Janessa Denman left the city behind and purchased 44 acres of bare land in rural Colorado. With a vision of raising their children and animals on a self-sustaining homestead, they set out to build everything from scratch – driveways, fencing, barns and eventually, their forever home. 

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

Hard Work, Big Projects and Bobcat Equipment 

Transforming raw land into a functional homestead takes hard work, and the Langs have no shortage of projects. From building their shop and house foundation to installing fencing and maintaining pastures, every day brings new challenges. To get the work done efficiently, they rely on their Bobcat T66 compact track loader and attachments. 

With a 12-inch auger attachment, the Langs make quick work of drilling post holes for fencing – a task that would take hours by hand. “With the auger, I can dig a hole in 15 seconds. By hand, it would take 45 minutes to an hour,” John says.  

The hay forks help move 1,200-pound bales for their horses and Highland cattle, while the standard bucket is essential for spreading gravel, clearing land and site prep. 

Comfort and Reliability in Tough Conditions 

Colorado’s extreme weather means working through scorching summers and cold winters. The Bobcat T66's enclosed cab with air conditioning and Bluetooth makes long hours more bearable.   

Beyond comfort, reliability is key.  

A Dealer That Goes the Extra Mile 

For the Langs, Bobcat of the Rockies played a major role in choosing Bobcat over other brands. “A good dealer makes all the difference,” John says. “They always have what I need, whether it’s parts or service, and they go above and beyond every time.” 

Looking Ahead: A Growing Homestead 

With fencing projects underway, a new barn and horse training areas in the plans, and their home build just beginning, the Langs have a long road ahead. But with determination – and Bobcat equipment on their side – they’re creating a homestead built to last. 

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