by Nick Drew | Tue 07 Apr 2026
JCB Operator Challenge 2026 (Have You Got What it Takes!)
JCB’s much loved operator challenge event is back for its third year, and the anticipation is already reaching fever point!
The vast majority of operators love the opportunity to put their skills to the test in digger challenge competitions, and such contests have become universally popular around the world.
In this latest edition, JCB are on the hunt to find the UK’s top tracked excavator and backhoe loader operators.
The competition takes place over seven regional heats across the country, with operators competing in two specifically timed trials.
The top three regional finalists will then compete in the grand final, which will take place at the JCB Quarry in Staffordshire in July.
In addition to having the pride of being JCB’s Operator of the Year 2026, the ultimate winner will also get an all expenses paid trip to New York, in addition to two runners up prizes.
To register to take part and to discover where the upcoming venues are, click on this link.
Checkout this video from the first heat which took place in the Greenshields JCB area and was attended by none other than Ollie Gunns, who is rapidly becoming the face of JCB.