JCB Operator Challenge
JCB is back for its third year of putting the very best to the ultimate test. We’re on the hunt to find the UK’s top tracked excavator and Backhoe Loader operators. Taking place over seven regional heats across the country, we’ll be testing your machine operating skills, in two timed trials, with the top three regional finalists competing in the final at the JCB Quarry in July. As well as being crowned JCB’s Operator of the Year 2026, the winner will also get an all-expenses paid trip for two to New York*. Find out how to enter below.
Operator Challenge
JCB is back for its third year of putting the very best to the ultimate test. We’re on the hunt to find the UK’s top tracked excavator and Backhoe Loader operators. Taking place over seven regional heats across the country, we'll be testing your machine operating skills, in two timed trials, with the top three regional finalists competing in the final at the JCB Quarry in July. As well as being crowned JCB's Operator of the Year 2026, the winner will also get an all-expenses paid trip for two to New York*. Find out how to enter below.
Kevin Quarry, Ramshorn, Oakamoor Staffordshire, ST10 3BX
Prizes
Regional prizes:
The top three operators from each regional heat will be invited to the Operator Challenge final in July, where they will be treated to a VIP visit to the JCB World Headquarters, including factory tour, hospitality lunch, an evening meal and one night B&B stay at the exclusive JCB Golf and Country Club. Each regional finalist will also receive a JCB goody bag.
Plus… every competitor who takes part will receive a JCB cap.
Final Prizes:
- 1st Place: A three-night stay for two people in New York, including flights, hotel and 5,000 USD spending money.
- 2nd Place: Two tickets for the ENG V NZ, Autumn Internationals Rugby 2026 on Saturday 21st November.
- 3rd Place: A two-night stay for two people in Edinburgh, with £500 spending money.
Do you have what it takes?
Operator challenge FAQs
Who can attend the event?
Spectators at the event are welcome, including the friends and family of the operators taking part.
Who can enter?
The challenge is open to any excavator operator aged 18+ who hold a valid CPCS or NPORS 360 excavator operators’ card. Cards will be checked and verified at the event so please make sure you bring it with you. Current JCB staff, dealer staff and their families are excluded from the competition
What machines will I be operating?
Within the regional heats, you will be operating one of our X Series excavators, ranging from 13 to 24 tonnes, but likely to be the 145XR, alongside our iconic Backhoe Loader, the 3CX Dual Drive.
For more information about JCB’s X Series tracked excavators, click HERE
For more information about JCB’s Backhoe Loader range, click HERE
What are the challenges?
In the race to win, you’ll take part in two simple timed trials where you will test your precision and dexterity. Operators have a maximum of three attempts to get the best overall time from the two trials. There will be no practice time available for competitors and the best combined challenge time from any one attempt will be taken.
What do I need to bring on the day?
Competitors need to bring with them their valid CPCS or NPORS 360 excavator operators’ card, as well as the correct PPE, including steel-toe capped boots and a high viz vest.
Where does the event take place?
Kevin Quarry, ST10 3BX