JLG Challenges Telehandler Operators to a Contest of Skill
November 21, 2005 • When you love what you do, it shows • and telehandler operators working in concrete and masonry trades are no exception. Those with the panache for a little competition should take notice of the Telehandler Skills Contest hosted by JLG Industries Inc.,
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JLG to launch telehandler skills contest at WOC.
“This is an event that is more about the operator than it is about the equipment,” said David Baxter, JLG's director of marketing. “JLG's strategy has been to focus on the end users and their needs and masonry is a key end user application for telescopic handlers.”
Contestants will compete on a simulated job site by operating his or her choice of a 6,000-pound capacity JLG®, Gradall®, SkyTrak®, or Lull® model over a closed course. They will be judged on driving skills and overall productivity, lift and place precision, and adherence to safe operating practices. Using a points system, contestants will be judged on time, accuracy, and most importantly, safety. The operator must complete a pre-operation safety check, which is not timed, followed by successful completion of the skills course, then return the telehandler to the stored position and secure it as if it were the end of the work day. Challenges on the course will include maneuvering and high reach and outreach job tasks.
The contest is limited to 40 entries. Participants will be selected by JLG based on their answers to an application questionnaire. Questions include: How frequently do you operate telehandlers on the job? What do you like best about operating a telehandler? And, why do you think you can win?
The contest will start on Tuesday, January 17th with a preliminary round from which eight finalists will be selected. The finals, to be held January 19, will consist of each participant completing two circuits of the course. Prize winners will be selected from the best of the two runs. The Grand Prize includes two tickets to the 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game including two nights hotel, an Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience, and a $1,000 Visa gift card. Additional prizes will be awarded to second and third place finishers. All participants and finalists will
also be awarded prizes.
Deadline for entry is December 31, 2005. Entrants can apply online at www.jlg.com/challenge2. They will need to be registered for the World of Concrete Show and provide proof of rough terrain forklift operator training. There is a $100 entry fee payable upon selection.
