Gregory Poole Equipment Company hosted its 2019 Operator Challenge on Aug. 27 to 29 at the Caterpillar Visitor Center in Clayton, N.C.
The three-day event brought out 35 operators from across eastern North Carolina to compete in the four machine challenges. The top three overall winners were:
- Ben Sandy of Sandy's Hauling and Backhoe Service Inc. —total time: 11:42
- Wayne Bryant of Bryant Grading Inc. — total time: 11:48
- Josh Blanton of Roadbuilders Inc. — total time: 12:09
They were given a Cat cooler and Cabela's gift card. The top time for each event also was awarded a plaque with a model of the machine used for that challenge.
The winner of this local event will make his way back to Clayton, N.C. for the North American Eastern Regional Finals Oct. 23-25. The regional winner will represent all of North America at the Global Operator Challenge at ConExpo 2020 in Las Vegas.
Challenge events include:
- Excavator trenching with Cat 2D Grade,
- Small wheel loader load & carry with Cat production measurement,
- Skid steer/CTL operating techniques, and
- Track-type tractor obstacle course.
CEG
