The NUCA Backhoe Rodeo, hosted at Dig This Las Vegas, was a celebration of skill, precision, and the machinery that drives the construction industry. The annual event, organized by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) of Las Vegas, drew 200 operators from Nevada and neighboring states to compete in challenges that tested their expertise. Nearly 3,000 people attended the rodeo, including families, spectators, and industry professionals.
This year, Southwest JCB joined the competition for the first time. Out of 25 finalists, 14 secured their spots operating JCB equipment — a significant number considering many participants were unfamiliar with operating JCB equipment before the event.
The NUCA Backhoe Rodeo featured multiple challenges, which required operators to combine technical skills with machine control. Across three rounds, competitors showcased their ability to handle intricate tasks with precision. Those tasks included the following:
- Tire Stacking and Tic-Tac-Toe: The opening round combined strength and finesse as operators lifted construction tires into designated circles. They then played a life-sized game of tic-tac-toe, placing canisters with metal hooks onto a grid. Even the slightest misstep could derail their progress, making control and stability paramount.
- Maze Navigation: Round two featured a narrow, L-shaped maze, just 14 inches wide. Operators had to balance basketballs and softballs on cones while navigating their machines through the path without knocking anything over. The challenge required focus and steady control of the machine’s movements.
- Basketball Challenge: The final round demanded precision as participants scooped basketballs from cones and deposited them into a central bucket. A single mistake could upset the cones, leading to disqualification. This test of dexterity highlighted the importance of smooth hydraulics and responsive controls.
“These challenges require operators to treat their machines like extensions of themselves,” said Daniel Harkins, Account Manager at Southwest JCB. “Precision and control are non-negotiable, especially when the stakes are this high.”
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Making its debut at the rodeo, JCB brought 3CX-14 Super backhoes to the competition. Of the 25 finalists, 14 operated JCB equipment in the first two rounds to secure their place. As the dust settled on the final round, operators using JCB machines swept the podium with the top three individual winners all using JCB machines to secure their victories. Additionally, the winning team, Las Vegas Paving, operated JCB equipment.
To explain what set the JCB equipment apart, many operators pointed to the 3CX-14 Super’s smooth operation and intuitive controls.
“I was at the event all day, acting as a judge,” Harkins said, “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.’”
The advanced hydraulic system of the 3CX-14 Super reduces the jerkiness often found in heavy machinery, allowing operators to perform intricate tasks with precision. Its ergonomic cab was designed for comfort, enabling operators to stay focused on the task at hand.
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Harkins emphasized the machine’s operator-friendly features. “The JCB 3CX-14 Super is built to amplify skill,” he said. “It’s not just about raw power. It’s about giving operators the precision and control they need to excel.”
Beyond the competition, the NUCA Backhoe Rodeo served as a celebration of the construction community. Contractors, utility companies, and independents gathered to compete and connect. Las Vegas Paving, one of the area’s largest contractors, won the team award.
Southwest JCB’s presence extended beyond competition. The dealership engaged with attendees, offering giveaways and showcasing their full range of equipment. For many operators, the event provided a chance to test JCB machinery for the first time.
The rodeo also served as a platform to inspire the next generation of construction professionals. With family-friendly activities like mini excavators for kids, live music, and food trucks, the event emphasized the opportunities available in the industry.
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“Events like this show young people that construction isn’t just a job. It’s a career of skill, mastery, and impact,” Harkins said. “We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building the future of our communities.”
With this year’s success, Southwest JCB plans to expand its presence at next year’s rodeo. From showcasing advancements in backhoe technology to increasing engagement with attendees, the dealership is aiming to strengthen its role within the construction community.
“The NUCA Backhoe Rodeo reminds us why we’re in this industry,” Harkins said. “It’s about precision, innovation, and the people who make it all happen. We’re proud to have played a role and can’t wait to come back next year.”
