CAT GLOBAL OPERATOR CHALLENGE IS BACK
2025 CAT LOCAL OPERATOR CHALLENGE WITH MACHINE + TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE
Once again, we're on a quest to find the best equipment operator in the world! Hawthorne Cat is excited to participate in the 2025 Cat Local Operator Challenge by hosting two local challenges in Escondido, CA and Hawaii.
One (1) operator with the best overall score from each Hawthorne event will advance to the Caterpillar-sponsored regional events in Clayton, NC on September 22-23, 2025. Operators with the best overall score at the Caterpillar-sponsored regional event in North Carolina will advance to the Global Operator Challenge Final event at 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG on March 3, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV.
If you would like watch the operator challenge event as a spectator, please RSVP and also check out our Machine + Technology Demonstration Event with FREE lunch on us.
Ready to Make History? Step Up for the Global Operator Challenge!
SAN DIEGO
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Verger Dairy Farms
16777 Bandy Canyon Rd & Old Survey Road
Escondido, CA 92027
Must Register by May 23rd
MAUI
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Maui Tropical Plantation
1670 Honopiilani Highway
Waikapu, HI 96793
Must Register by August 1st
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING AS A SPECTATOR?
Not ready to compete for the title but still want to watch the competition? Know someone who's participating and want to cheer them on? Sign up as spectator.
SEE WHAT YOU MISSED AT THE LAST OPERATOR CHALLENGE
COMPETITOR OVERVIEW
SIGN UP FOR A CHANCE TO RISE AMONG THE BEST
UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL AT A LOCAL DEALER EVENT
CLAIM VICTORY AND ADVANCE TO REGIONAL FINALS
BECOME A LEGEND AT THE GLOBAL FINALS IN VEGAS
COMPETE IN 4 CHALLENGES
Operators must compete in three different machine challenges. Each challenge is scored based on speed, accuracy and operating best practice. Penalties will be imposed for errors. The operator who achieves the best overall score will be crowned the local Hawthorne winner.
MINI EXCAVATOR
"Mini-Masters"
Maneuver machine with Stick Steer Technology and use the bucket for pin-point accuracy obstacle drops into barrels
DOZER
"Precision Tracktor"
Maneuver a dozer through a pre-set course
COMPACT TRACK LOADER
"Stay on Track"
Showcase balance & material control skills in a compact track loader
SMALL EXCAVATOR
"The Dig N’ Swing"
Stay steady while racing to move material to target weight or pass count