NUCA Backhoe Rodeo Brings 200 Expert Operators to Vegas, JCB Equipment Shines

The hum of machinery, the cheers of a crowd and the sight of massive backhoes performing delicate maneuvers — this is what equipment rodeos are all about. Part competition, part community celebration, they prove that construction isn’t just about power. It’s about technique, precision and a little bit of showmanship. Over 200 highly skilled operators came out swinging at Dig This Las Vegas for the second annual NUCA Backhoe Rodeo.

The event was organized by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) of Las Vegas. It drew operators from across Nevada and neighboring states. Each were looking to claim the title in a series of precision-based challenges. With nearly 3,000 attendees, the rodeo wasn’t just a competition. It was a heavyweight matchup between skill and machine. It was a chance for families, contractors and industry professionals to connect with the heart of the construction industry.

NUCA Backhoe Rodeo Round 1: Tire Stacking and Tic-Tac-Toe

The first round delivered a jab of strength and a hook of precision. It tested operators’ ability to handle one of the most versatile jobsite tools. Known for its ability to dig, lift and transport materials, backhoes are essential in construction. While stacking tires isn’t a typical jobsite task, it mirrors the precision needed to keep projects efficient and safe.

Operators were tasked with lifting and stacking large construction tires into marked zones, where even a slight misstep could cost valuable seconds, or even disqualification. Next, competitors shifted to a life-sized game of tic-tac-toe. Operators needed to arrange metal cannisters with hooks carefully on a grid to achieve three in a row. It was all about staying steady and maintaining complete control of the boom. One wrong move could take them out of contention.

For many operators, unfamiliar equipment posed an added challenge. Machines with intuitive, user-friendly controls allowed participants to adapt quickly and avoid unnecessary downtime, even when operating unfamiliar setups. Participants operating JCB 3CX-14 Super backhoes appreciated how the smooth hydraulics and responsive controls helped them keep their focus on the challenge, not the machine.

“This round set the tone for the day,” said Daniel Harkins, an account manager with Southwest JCB and one of the event’s judges. “It required operators to stay steady and on their toes from the start.”

Round 2: Maze Navigation

The second round challenged operators to duck and weave their way through a narrow, L-shaped maze, testing their precision under pressure. With just 14 in. of clearance and cones balancing basketballs and softballs along the path, every move demanded absolute control. One knocked cone was an instant disqualification, making this round all about finesse and smooth execution.

“The maze really separated the contenders from the pretenders,” Harkins said. “Machines that allowed for predictable, steady movements made all the difference.”

This kind of precise movement isn’t just crucial in competition — it’s frequently required on the jobsite. Backhoes, often used for material handling, demand steady boom operation to keep tasks running smoothly. Jerky movements can scatter materials or, worse, endanger crew members working nearby.

Competitors who operated JCB 3CX-14 Super backhoes noted how the equipment’s smooth boom operation and responsive hydraulics gave them an edge. The fluid control allowed operators to stay focused on the challenge rather than struggling against the machine. For those who made it through the maze unscathed, it wasn’t just about getting the job done — it was about executing each move with the precision of a seasoned prizefighter.

Round 3: The Basketball Challenge

The final round was the championship bout. The top 25 operators from the first two rounds squared off for the title. This decisive challenge tested precision under pressure. It required competitors to pick basketballs off cones and deposit them into a central bucket.

Of the top 25 operators who made it to this stage, 14 had used JCB equipment during earlier rounds, and the advantages of smooth boom operation and intuitive controls were evident. As the tension climbed, those attributes became even more critical to delivering clean, precise movements.

When the dust settled and the judges tallied the final scores, the podium told the story: first-, second- and third-place finishers all operated JCB equipment during the decisive round. Their ability to handle the high-pressure challenge with finesse and accuracy was a testament not only to their skill but also to the performance of their machines. Additionally, the winner in the team category, Las Vegas Paving, also operated JCB equipment to secure their victory.

The JCB Equipment Behind the NUCA Backhoe Rodeo

“I was at the event all day, acting as a judge, and I had several operators come to me saying, ‘It was my first time using JCB, and it was so easy to operate. The controls were smooth and responsive — it felt like second nature,’” Harkins said. “I think that was one of the real game changers in the final round for those operating our equipment. The JCB’s responsive controls and smooth operation gave them the confidence to go the distance.”

The winners showed that to claim victory in the ring or on the jobsite, precision, skill and the right equipment are all part of the winning formula.

“Competitions like this bring together everything that matters to the industry: skill, community and innovation,” Harkins said. “We’re looking forward to coming back stronger next year.”

From precision-driven challenges to moments of triumph, the NUCA Backhoe Rodeo proved that in construction, it’s not just about throwing punches. It’s about landing them with accuracy and intention.

Arielle Windham is a writer for the construction and demolition industry.

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