The event was held at the spectacular Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham; one of the finest Georgian houses in England with over 300 rooms and 87 acres of gardens.

The grand location provided an extra special backdrop to the iconic yellow machines, which included the 370X; the latest tracked excavator in the X Series range launched in March.

JCB’s Operator Challenge aims to find the country’s best excavator operator and features two timed games that test precision and dexterity. The first event certainly drew some crowds, with 26 competitors taking part, as well as friends and family who came to watch them showcase their skills on the JCB 140X and 245XR excavators.

The contest was fiercely fought, with some blistering times being set, and the top three competitors going on to take part in the final in June to win some amazing prizes, as well as the title of being crowned JCB's Excavator Operator of the Year 2024.

Top of the leaderboard at the end of the two days was Dan Hughes with a time of 02:29:08, closely followed by Will Goldstone (02:34:30), both from Collins Earthworks. In third place, was Andrew Walker (02:44:43) from Herring Plant Hire.

“I had a brilliant day with my partner and children at Wentworth Woodhouse”, said Dan. “The challenges were good fun, and to be able to make the finals has really pleased me. I never expected to do as well as I did!”

As well as the challenge, the team from NPORS attended the event with a state-of-the-art digger simulator so the whole family could get involved behind the controls of a machine.
Well done to all the operators who took part and thank you to everyone who came to support!

Regional events are being held across the country throughout April and June. More details on how to register to take part, prizes, and the competition terms and conditions, can be found at www.jcb.com/en-gb/campaigns/operator-challenge.