Backhoe operators from all over Kansas compete in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Wednesday, 700 backhoe operators were in Wichita showing off the skills needed to get the job done. The Backhoe Rodeo tests the skills of equipment operators and is timed and graded based on performance.

“It gives operators a chance to go out and demonstrate their skills or get new equipment that might be different than what they’re used to operating at home,” said Dan Defore, the city’s water supervisor. Winfield.

This battle is part of a conference for people working in water and wastewater management.

“There’s education about drought preparedness and there’s education about the regulations that the state is coming up with for drinking water and sewage disposal,” Defore said.

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People who have raced say it’s important to know how to operate machinery and controls on the job.

“A person really has to respect the equipment and what it can do, you know, because it can be a dangerous thing just like a car going down the highway,” said Dallas Merritt, a utility operator for the city of Lawrence.

Events like this go towards the continuing education of operators for their professional certification. Contestants and conference attendees are from all over the state. The Backhoe Rodeo awarded prizes for first, second and third place best operator.

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