Competitors, visitors and plant enthusiasts attending the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge will be able to test drive JCB’s newest innovation, DualDrive which allows the operator to reposition and drive the machine while facing the backacter without having to turn the seat to the front-facing position.

Georgina Williams, backhoe loader training and demonstration manager from JCB, said: “We’re delighted to be debuting our new 4CX DualDrive backhoe loader at the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge. It is a showcase for the best talent in the Scottish plant industry and an event which attracts plant professionals from all over, keen to see and try out the newest innovations.

“We have studied how operators work and concluded that the single biggest ease of use and productivity improvement would be the ability to drive the machine in both directions while operating the excavator.

“This unique feature sets us further apart from the competition and reinforces our commitment to have the easiest and most comfortable backhoe to operate. We are looking forward to seeing the 4CX put to the test in Errol later this month.”

Callum Mackintosh, promoter of the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge, added: “We are absolutely thrilled that JCB has chosen the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge for the Scottish debut of this game changer of a machine which brings huge benefits for all operators on any job. This will be a unique opportunity to try out the 4CX DualDrive backhoe loader and I know there will be lots of plant operators desperate to have a go, myself included!”

Meanwhile, SANY has confirmed its lineup for the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge as well as sponsorship of the Lifting Challenge, one of eight tough challenges facing those vying to be crowned Scottish Plant Operator Challenge Champion 2024 on July 27th at Errol.

Visitors to the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge will be able to try out some of SANY’s newest products and innovations in the demonstration area which were exhibited at ScotPlant earlier this year.

Brian McGrane, senior sales manager for Scotland, said: “SANY UK is thrilled to be sponsoring the Lifting Challenge at this year’s Scottish Plant Operator Challenge. It’s the first time that we are taking part and it’s an excellent opportunity for us to showcase some of our latest equipment to the industry as well as put some of our machines in the hands of some of the best operators in the UK. It promises to be a spectacular day!”

Competitors will use SANY’s SY215C machine with a block grab for the Lifting Challenge. A 24-tonne heavy excavator equipped with a compact six-cylinder engine from Cummins. Delivering 129kW, the machine delivers its power through a Kawasaki hydraulic system providing a smooth and precise feel for the operator.

Callum Mackintosh added: “It is great to have SANY on board. The SY215C is the perfect fit for our Lifting Challenge and will give operators the opportunity to feel the precision and power in the SY215C. I know that a lot of people are looking forward to trying out the SY26C which has become very popular in Scotland. A big thank you to SANY for supporting the competition.”