Ever since the company was founded, Daniel Bütikofer from Hünikon in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland, has relied on the durable and reliable performance of Bobcat telehandlers. Complementing the rigid frame telehandlers from Bobcat, the company is now using a new Bobcat TR50.250 rotary telehandler.
Since Daniel Bütikofer opened his wood construction business in the Swiss town of Hünikon in 2003, he has relied on the quality of Bobcat telehandlers. His main work includes roofing, interior finishing and property extensions and restoration work but also smaller carpentry jobs. In addition to crane rental, Bütikofer also offers the rental of workshop workstations, also with expert supervision.
Part of the work involved in wood construction is the transport and lifting of heavy building materials and large skylights. This is where Daniel Bütikofer has relied on Bobcat’s expertise for 20 years. Initially, he used a Bobcat T40170 rigid frame telehandler, but with the arrival of a new Bobcat TR50.250 rotary telehandler, he has found even more flexibility. Despite its compactness, the rotary telehandler impresses with top performance thanks to the 134 HP Stage V engine, lifting loads with a maximum lifting weight of 5 tonne up to a lifting height of 25 m and is safe and stable thanks to its pivoting stabilisers.
“Thanks to additional attachments such as a winch, work basket, pallet fork and radio control, we have already used this telehandler on various jobs such as lifting heavy building materials and large skylights onto roofs,” says Daniel Bütikofer. “The serial RFID system not only automatically detects the identity of the installed attachments, but also loads the corresponding load diagrams directly onto the display. This allows us to keep an eye on the centre of gravity of the payload at all times.”
The rotary telehandler is a little larger than its predecessor, but the radio control and the large, unobstructed front windshield allow Daniel Bütikofer and his two employees to control the telehandler flexibly and have an optimal view of the work site. The endlessly rotating telescopic loader makes work possible even in narrow streets and thus makes the machine even more flexible.
In order to fully utilise the machines at all times, Daniel Bütikofer also rents out his equipment for crane and lifting work, including the operator.
He has already helped with various projects in his village, such as installing lights at the local riding stables or the football club. The telehandler was also used to transport wooden cows that were carved by a Hünikon artist and now adorn the Swiss village.
Daniel Bütikofer bought his complete range of Bobcat telehandlers from Meier Maschinen AG. He appreciates the proximity to the dealer and the service workshop, as well as the uncomplicated service. For the Bobcat TR50.250, he therefore again relied on Meier Maschinen. Together, they configured the telehandler and thus individually adapted it to the needs of the timber construction company. Another purchase criterion for Daniel Bütikofer was the proximity to Bobcat’s partner workshop. This means that any maintenance work can be carried out quickly, so that the telehandler is ready for use again straight away.
René Kappus, District Sales Manager GSA at Bobcat, says: “Meier Maschinen AG has been a reliable and important partner for Bobcat for many years, covering both the construction and landscaping sectors. Our rotary telehandlers have been on the market since 2020 and can lift material to a maximum height of 39 m. The machines can be switched to electric mode on site, requiring only a 400 V connection. We are very pleased that our machines facilitate the work of our customers and make it even more flexible.”
Daniel Bütikofer, founder of Bütikofer Holzbau GmbH, once again emphasises the cooperation with his Bobcat dealer: “It’s not only the machine itself that convinces me about Bobcat, but also the service that I receive thanks to the proximity to Meier Maschinen AG. My rigid frame telehandlers have always worked reliably. With the rotary telehandler, I can now work even more flexibly and make optimum use of it by renting it out.”
