Caterpillar: Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge underway

Caterpillar is inviting the world's most skilled operators to create their own legacy through its third Global Operator Challenge Heavy equipment operators from more than 40 countries have been invited to compete in Caterpillar's third Global Operator Challenge, with the worldwide title up for grabs. Thousands of machine operators will put their agility, resilience and versatility to the test on a wide range of construction equipment and technology, in what Caterpillar says is its largest challenge to date. "For nearly 100 years, our customers have been pushing the limits with our machines," Caterpillar Construction Industries group president Tony Fassino says. "This challenge helps showcase and celebrate the exceptional skills of the expert men and women in this important profession as they forge their legacies of being the best operators in the world." Competitions will feature at least three different challenges on at least three separate pieces of equipment. Scoring is based on the operator's skills, safety, efficiency and competence in using integrated technology such as payload, grade control and operator ease-of-use features to enhance the machine's performance. Cat dealers in Australia and New Zealand will be hosting local challenge events during the first round, being held from February to June 2025. First place winners from each local Australian and New Zealand dealer events will then advance to the regional semifinal competitions at the end of October in Japan. Here, they will meet other Asia Pacific finalists, with the top three finalists going on to represent the region. Globally, nine finalists will emerge from the regional semifinals and participate in the final competition in March 2026 at Caterpillar's outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. The winner receives either a $10,000 cash prize or an equal value trip for two where Caterpillar has a location worldwide. Showcasing the best More than 140 Cat® dealer competitions were held during the 2022-2023 challenge, which attracted more than 10,000 operators from 32 countries. Patrick Doheny from Australia was crowned the champion at the previous Global Operator Challenge competition held at the CONEXPO industry event in Las Vegas. He was awarded a trip for two to a location where Caterpillar has one of its worldwide production facilities. "I am beyond thrilled to have earned the title of the best Caterpillar machine operator on the planet," Doheny says. "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." The 2025-2026 challenge aims to include more events, countries and operators than previous programs, Caterpillar says. For more information and official rules about the Global Operator Challenge, including how to participate, visit www.cat.com/operatorchallenge . NSW/ACT: WesTrac 1300 881 064 WA: WesTrac 1300 881 064 VIC/TAS: William Adams1300 923 267 QLD/NT: Hastings Deering 131 228 SA: Cavpower 08 8343 1600 NZ: TERRA 0800 93 39 39