Caterpillar announces global operator challenge

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for experienced earthmoving machinery operators to show the world what they’ve got.

Following the success of a similar competition held in Europe last year, Caterpillar has decided to extend the invitation to operators from every corner of the globe to participate in its 2019/2020 Global Operator Challenge Competition, where operators will be put through their paces in a series of challenges on a range of Caterpillar machines.

In each stage of the competition, operators will have their agility, mental toughness, and versatility tested; as well as their competence in using integrated technology to enhance machine performance, such as Cat Production Measurement and Cat GRADE systems.

Some of the tasks operators can expect at the challenges include loading three passes onto a 730 Articulated Truck with a 972M XE wheel loader, navigating an obstacle course in a 299D2 skid steer, and playing a game of golf in a 301.7D mini excavator.

Operators will first compete in local heats conducted by Cat dealers around the globe with the winners then moving on to regional semi-final competitions that are to be held in Japan, Brazil, Spain and the United States during October and November 2019.

The winners in each regional semi-final will then take part in the global finals that will take place at Conexpo-Con/Agg trde show in Las Vegas in March 2020. From there, one winner will be crowned and awarded with an all-expense paid, VIP trip for two to a global Caterpillar facility of his or her choice.

The Caterpillar 2019/2020 Global Operator Challenge follows in the footsteps of the European "New Range-New Rules" competition held in October 2018 at the Caterpillar Demonstration & Learning Center in Malaga, Spain. A total of 18 operators from 10 nations across Europe, the Middle East, and Eurasia were in the final competition; with German operator Sebastian Behr ultimately nabbing the top prize.

“Through the Global Operator Challenge, Caterpillar wishes to celebrate the diversity and skill of all operators around the world who use construction equipment every day and contribute to the success of our industry," said Caterpillar Global Marketing Innovations manager, Jessica Nunley.

"In addition, this competition will highlight the Cat Next Generation machines that are transforming job sites by increasing productivity to new levels, providing a new experience of comfort, and ease of operation through technology.

“We hope the Global Operator Challenge will attract more individuals to join our industry.”