Caterpillar is inviting machine operators worldwide to take part in the 2022/2023 'Global Operator Challenge'. A chap in Canada won the accolade the last time around, so might this be the year for a British winner...?
“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,” explained 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 of the global contest consists of local qualifiers, hosted by Cat dealers right now and running through to September. To make this year’s competition even more challenging, Caterpillar has added the requirement that every event must feature three different challenges on three separate pieces of equipment.
Those who qualify in the local dealer events will then move onto regional semi-finals in October 2022. Nine winners will emerge and then participate in the global finals at Caterpillar’s outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, March 2023. The overall winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to a Caterpillar facility worldwide.
During each phase of the competition, contestants will test their plant prowess on a variety of tasks, such as digging a trench, loading a precise amount of dirt, and hauling or manoeuvering the equipment through a variety of obstacles. Scoring is based on the operator’s skills, efficiency, as well as his or her competence in using integrated technology to enhance the machine’s performance.
Cat next generation machines will allow these operators to take advantage of available technologies to complete the challenges, such as Cat Payload, Grade and Command. Other features like Cat Grade Assist, rear view cameras, return to dig and return to carry will also aid the operators in completing the challenges.
For more information about the Global Operator Challenge or to express interest in participating in the competition, visit www.cat.com/operatorchallenge.