As part of the Telehandler Skills Challenge, a Ground Hog brand grout delivery system was picked up and moved.

JLG Industries, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corp. and an international producer of access equipment, last week announced that Joe Thomas, representing Knowlton & Sons Masonry Construction of Clifford, Pa., was the first place winner in the 2007 JLG Telehandler Skills Challenge held during the World of Concrete Show in Las Vegas.

The competition was held among licensed telehandler operators from across the United States and Canada on a closed course simulated worksite. Contestants used their choice of Gradall, JLG, Lull, or SkyTrak telehandler and scoring was based on following proper safety procedures, driving accuracy, load placement and the overall time to complete the course. In addition to JLG Industries, other sponsors of the competition included Miller Electric and Dakota AG Innovations.

The competition included a preliminary run on Jan. 23, for all participants. The top eight competitors advanced to the finals on Jan. 25, where they were given two opportunities to navigate the course. Final standings were based on the best score of their two runs, with prizes and trophies awarded to the top three competitors.

Driving a Gradall Model G6-42P, Thomas took the top prize of a 42-inch plasma television set and Miller generator. Second place honors including a Weber grill and Omaha steak package went to Pete Greco from G. Porter & Co., Naperville, Ill., driving a Lull 644E-42. Third place and a Miller welder went to last year’s winner, Eric Roussel of Dubuque, Iowa-based Randy Roussel Masonry, who drove a SkyTrak Model 6042.