ORGANISERS of Plantworx 2025 have announced the return of the Operator Challenge this year, with JCB confirmed as the headline sponsor.
JCB will supply all equipment used in the competition, including compact excavators, the 145XR X Series, the latest 3CX, and the Hydradig.
The Operator Challenge builds on the success of its debut at PlantWorx 2023, when hundreds of operators took part in skill-based games designed to test precision, control, and flair. The 2025 edition will feature eight timed challenges inspired by classic board games, plus two open-access head-to-head events for accredited operators.
Gareth Lumsdaine, JCB UK and ROI sales director, said, “We’re proud to support the Operator Challenge at PlantWorx 2025. It’s a fantastic way to mark 80 years of JCB and a brilliant opportunity to showcase our machines in action — with real operators behind the controls. It’s set to be an exciting three days.”
Dale Hawkins, founder and organiser of the Operator Challenge, added, “We’ve seen this competition grow year on year, and 2025 feels like a real milestone. Having JCB on board as headline sponsor gives it an extra level of prestige — and rightly so. This is about giving operators a platform to show what they do best, and celebrating the skill and precision that makes the industry tick.”
Big names from the operator community will be back this year, including Amy Underwood (The Digger Girl), Lloyd Peckham (Bearded Excavation UK), and Conor Kelly (Conor the Digger Driver), with a much-anticipated rematch between Conor and Lloyd on the cards.
Daily prizes will be awarded, and an overall winner will be crowned based on the lowest combined time. Support comes from Astrak, Flannery Plant Hire, Collins Earthworks, Conquip, and Steelwrist, with more names to be announced.
Two dedicated JCB demo zones will also run alongside the competition, offering visitors a chance to try the kit for themselves in a more relaxed setting. Visitors to Plantworx will have the chance to view JCB’s hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine, which offers a glimpse into the future of alternative power on site.
