COVER STORY
COMPACT TRACTOR SUCCESS STORY {
“I was looking for the entire package — a good sales representative, reliable equipment and quality parts and service. I found that with my local Bobcat dealer.” — Eric Kessler
organized groups like the Cub Scouts, to help them learn about history fi rsthand.
“They want to sit in the jet fi ghter or in the tank,” Kessler says. “I think there is a lot of value to that. People forget, all kidding aside … we’re forgetting our history, and if you can touch it, it’s a huge value.”
To be clear that Kessler’s not stockpiling weapons for an impending attack, he says his collection is not for use, but to be admired. “Everything that I own is inert,” he says.
According to Kessler, a lot of people ask him why he buys and restores this equipment. His answer is simple: “I like to tinker.”
Retiring at the right time
Kessler’s construction company — Highland Development — prepared land for new offi ce buildings, restaurants and housing units. He was responsible for clearing the land, installing the underground utilities and completing some of the commercial construction and homebuilding — up to 120 homes a year. After some unexpected health concerns, Kessler accepted an offer from a buyer in 2004, which turned out to be a good time to sell, ahead of the Great Recession and nationwide housing crisis.
New addition isn’t strange
Something that’s part of Kessler’s collection that isn’t strange is his Bobcat®
CT440 compact tractor with front-
end loader and several rear implements. The Bobcat brand was very familiar to Kessler from his days in the construction industry.
“We’ve previously operated Bobcat skid-steer loaders,” he says. “They were great for us, especially the 773 loaders, and every day we had them working on different jobs. I couldn’t have been in that business without having compact equipment.”
His positive experience helped lead him to his Bobcat dealer — Best Line Equipment — when he was in the market to purchase a new compact tractor.
“This is the fi rst compact tractor I’ve purchased and I love it,” Kessler says. “My staff and I use it for general maintenance around my farms; the backhoe is nice for everyday digging needs. And I’m regularly offl oading my collectibles and moving trailers.
“The tractor fi lls a gap between what an employee can do with a shovel and big equipment. It’s a critical gap. I have a backhoe, rotary cutter and the auger for use with my tractor. I’m very happy with it; no more gears to shift, and I like the safety mechanisms. I’m on and off the seat all the time, lifting or pushing heavy loads. The tractor hasn’t let me down.”
Kessler’ s collection
1985 British Scorpion light tank, designed for three-man crew.
14 WorkSaver Homeowner with Acreage | EARLY FALL 2011 14 WorkSaver Homeowner with Acreage | EARLY SPRING 2011
Ford Model T Police Paddy Wagon.
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