OPERATOR CHALLENGE 2008

Finning and Caterpillar are pleased to announce the 11th Operator Challenge, in conjunction with Earthmovers magazine. Operator Challenge is the ultimate test of skill and accuracy for construction equipment operators across the UK. The nationwide event will begin with a series of qualifiers held across the UK to select the 30 most promising operators for a UK final in September. This will result in the top 3 operators will go through to the European final in Malaga to represent the UK.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE UK FINAL

Although we are keeping the challenges under wraps, each competitor will be expected to complete five main challenges at the UK Final, before three lucky operators will move onto the all expenses paid final event in Malaga.

What also makes the competition the toughest on earth, is the use of the full range of Caterpillar equipment. With the largest and most diverse product line up in the world, the challenge for operators that make it through to the final stages of the competition can come in all shapes and sizes, from skid steer loaders through to wheeled excavators and even off highway trucks!

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EUROPEAN FINAL

For the three UK finalists, the trip to the European Final in Malaga will involve what can only be called a total Caterpillar experience. With tests based on production study calculations and judges looking for even the slightest of cone movements on the narrowest of tracks, the quickest time can soon become the worst score, with penalty points responsible for the downfall of some of the hottest contenders. Mixing up quarry operators with mini-excavator specialists the final can be a real mix of talent.

With up to ten different tests doubling that of the UK final, the Malaga event is certainly a challenge which in previous years has seen contenders have to perform a huge variety of tests, one after the next. Going from load hoppers in a mini-excavator time trial, involving a boom maze and the smallest of hopper openings, straight to operating a 990 wheel loader, loading as much rock into an off-highway truck as possible in just three passes is just mind boggling.

Do you have the skill and stamina to compete with the best operator in Europe?