Ontario Construction News staff writer
Caterpillar Inc. is inviting machine operators from around the world to compete in the 2022/2023 Global Operator Challenge, putting the skills and precision of equipment operators to the test.
“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 of Construction Industries.
“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.”
The annual competition challenges participants to “prove their excellence in operating Cat machinery, as well as their ability to master any piece of construction equipment safely and efficiently”.
The first round is March – September 2022, and dealers will feature three different challenges on three separate pieces of equipment. 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.
In the 2019-2020 challenge, 67 Cat dealers hosted local competitions, and operators from 30 countries participated. The 2022-2023 competition will be Caterpillar’s largest construction industry event of its kind.
“I’ve been operating Cat machines for more than 15 years,” said Jaus Neigum, owner of Industrial Backhoe Ltd. in Medicine Hat, Alberta and the 2019-2020 Global Operator Challenge champion.
“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. And, if you’re a business owner like me, I encourage you to put forward your best operators, because this competition is going to be even bigger and better than the last one.”
Qualifiers from the local dealer events will then move to regional semi-final competitions in October 2022. Nine finalists from the regional semifinals will participate in the final competition in March 2023 at Caterpillar’s outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to a Caterpillar facility worldwide.
