Australia’s Patrick Doheny takes out Cat global operator challenge

Nine of the best earthmover operators in the world went head-to-head in the grand final of Caterpillar’s global operator challenge on March 14, 2023, and the world champion title was taken out by none other than Aussie operator, Patrick Doheny.

The finals, which took place at the recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 construction trade show in Las Vegas, comprised a series of challenges using Caterpillar-branded earthmoving equipment and technology.

There was a fork and loader challenge, in which Doheny also took out by recording the best time; a backhoe challenge and a trench run challenge whereby finalists dug a trench and placed balls into a barrel without breaking them.

To complete these challenges, contestants were required to utilise three earthmoving machines – a wheel loader, a backhoe loader, and an excavator.

Ultimately, Doheny took out the world champion title by recording an impressive 26 minutes 49 seconds in completing all three challenges successfully.

“I am beyond thrilled to have earned the title of the best Caterpillar machine operator on the planet,” he said.

“Kudos to Caterpillar for hosting such an incredible event to highlight the importance of our profession. It is truly a dream come true to see your life’s passion be rewarded in such an amazing way.”

By taking out the title, Doheny has won himself an all-expenses-paid trip for two to one Caterpillar location worldwide.

Doheny was one of two Australians who made it to the world finals, the other one being South Australia’s Nick Thompson.

Doheny’s journey to the crown started last year at the inaugural Dig Deep construction show held in Melbourne in May 2022, and event he co-founded.

He took part in the local heats held by William Adams Cat at the show and successfully went through to the semifinals held in Japan in October 2022 where he once again prevailed.

Doheny, who originally hails from Ireland, is currently based in Melbourne running his own civil construction business – CRE Civil Group alongside Co-Director, Michael Harding.

He has 25 years of earthmoving experience under his belt with a focus in bulk earthworks and civil construction.

In addition to the overall world champion title, Caterpillar also crowned a team champion which went to team Americas, consisting of American operators, Matt Ferris and John Schiedeck; and Brazilian operator, Fernando Nascimento. The team recorded a combined average time of 31 minutes and 17 seconds.