WA’s sharpest Cat operator

Northern Star open pit supervisor Max Harris has been named WA’s best Cat machinery operator at the Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge on 7 March.

Mr Harris was pitted against 10 other finalists in three distinct challenges, each testing the mettle of contestants in categories like skill, accuracy and agility. The competition was held at WesTrac’s Perth branch dig pit.

His efforts awarded him the title of state champion as well as an all-expenses-covered trip to Japan, where he’ll size up against his international cohorts at the Asia-Pacific regional final in October.

If Max proves his skill in October, he’ll progress to Las Vegas in 2026 to face up against the world’s most elite Cat operators in the Caterpillar Global Operator Final at CONEXPO 2026.

WesTrac WA construction general manager of construction Cameron Callaway says the WA competition required contestants to show their skills using three different Cat machines.

“The tasks performed by competitors included digging a trench, loading and carrying material over an obstacle course, and navigating a tight course, which all had to be completed with safety front-of-mind,” he said.

“All of the operators, who have come from various companies across WA’s mining and construction industries, completed these tasks with remarkable precision, however there could only be one State Champion.

“Congratulations to Max and on behalf of the entire team at WesTrac, we wish him every success as he heads to Japan to represent WA.”

The 2025-26 Global Operator Challenge lines up with two important anniversaries: Caterpillar’s 100 years of providing industry-leading equipment and WesTrac 35 years as a Cat dealer.

WesTrac chief executive Jarvas Croome says the event showcased the latest Cat equipment being piloted by the best operators in the business.

“Today’s Global Operator Challenge showcased just how far Cat machines, tools, and technology have evolved over the past century,” he said.