CATERPILLAR has launched its 2022/23 Global Operator Challenge, which invites machine operators from around the world to test their skills.
67 Cat dealers hosted local competitions in the 2019/2020 challenge, and operators from 30 countries participated. The manufacturer said the 2022/2023 competition will be Caterpillar’s largest construction industry event of its kind.
“More than 80 Cat dealers will host local, one-of-a-kind competitions, celebrating equipment operators and enabling them to showcase their exceptional skills in fun and dynamic ways,” said Tony Fassino, group president, construction industries, Caterpillar Inc. “Whether their expertise lies in digging a trench, moving aggregates, or managing demolition, our Global Operator Challenge will be demanding for even the most experienced operators. We can’t wait to see what they can do with our machines.”
The first round involves local qualifiers, hosted by Cat dealers and running until September 2022. To make this year’s competition even more challenging, Caterpillar has decided that every event must feature three different challenges on three separate pieces of equipment.
Those who qualify in the local dealer events will progress to the regional semi-final competitions in October 2022. Nine finalists will emerge from this and participate in the global finals during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas in March 2023. The winner of the competition will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to one Caterpillar facility worldwide.
Commenting on being crowned the 2019/2020 Global Operator Challenge champion, Jaus Neigum, owner of Industrial Backhoe in Alberta, Canada, said, “I’ve been operating Cat machines for more than 15 years. Having the opportunity to demonstrate my skills and compete against peers from around the world was one of the most rewarding experiences in my career.
“If you’re an operator of heavy equipment, this is a contest you don’t want to miss. And, if you’re a business owner like me and my partners, I encourage you to put forward your best operators, because this competition is going to be even bigger and better than the last one.”
During each portion of the event, participants execute tasks such as digging a trench, loading a precise amount of dirt, and hauling or manoeuvring the equipment through a variety of obstacles. Scoring is based on skills, efficiency, as well as competence in using integrated technology to enhance the machine’s performance.
For more information or to express interest in participating in the competition, visit www.cat.com/operatorchallenge.
