JCB Operator Challenge: Heat 3

The 2026 JCB Operator Challenge headed north of the border last weekend, when the third heat was hosted by Scot JCB on their stand at ScotPlant; Scotland’s largest construction show.

Visitors to the well-established event, held at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, were greeted by glorious sunshine, some warm Scottish hospitality and a number of JCB machines.

As well as the challenge, visitors to the stand were treated to a sighting of the legendary JCB 3CX Backhoe Loader, walkarounds of the JCB 370X tracked excavator – currently the largest in the X Series family - and the new JCB A60EH articulated boom lift, which was available to see in person in Scotland for the first time. The JCB VM118D single drum soil compactor also made an appearance, the first in a new generation of vibratory rollers.

Over 100 people took part in the challenge and there were plenty of spectators to cheer them on. It was tight on the leaderboard with all competitors in the top 59, managing to complete the two games within the 3-minute mark.

Top of the leaderboard at the end of the two-day event was Jack Tennent from Warnock Plant with a time of 01:21. In second place, was Lewis Cameron from AJ Rennie (01:26) followed very closely behind by Ewan Irvine from Irvine Plant Hire
 (01:31).

Well done to all the operators who took part and thank you to everyone who came to support!

There’s still time to sign up to take part in the one of the regional events held in May and June, with a trip to New York up for grabs. More details on how to register to take part, prizes, and the competition terms and conditions, can be found at Operator Challenge 2026.

Heat 3: Top 10 Leaderboard