Hitachi Turns Operator Skill Into a European Contest Ahead of LANDCROS Transition

The inaugural LANDCROS European Operator Challenge will bring national winners to Amsterdam on 10-11 September, testing control, precision and machine handling across excavators and wheel loaders.

In an industry often focused on machine specs, fuel efficiency and digital systems, Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is putting the operator back at the centre of the jobsite. The inaugural LANDCROS European Operator Challenge will test the skills of excavator and wheel loader operators across Europe before a grand final at HCME’s headquarters in Amsterdam on 10-11 September.

The event will combine real-life operating conditions with competitive and engaging tasks inspired by daily jobsite activities. The format will test practical skills such as control, accuracy, machine handling and the ability to complete tasks efficiently.

Operators taking part in the national heats will be able to choose to compete using the ZX95USB-7 compact excavator, the ZX210-7 medium excavator or the ZW250-7 and ZW310-7 wheel loaders. Each national event is expected to welcome between 12 and 16 operators, giving dealers a direct way to engage with customers, machine users and local construction communities.

“The LANDCROS European Operator Challenge is an opportunity to celebrate the expertise of our talented operator community and the performance of some of our most popular reliable orange machines”

Said Laura Hendriks, HCME Director Marketing & Brand Communication.

“With the support of our dealers, we are proud to launch the first LANDCROS event ahead of the Hitachi brand’s transition next April. We look forward to connecting with our customers and operators during this fun and engaging process, and crowning our champion for 2026. Let the battle begin!”

The qualifying rounds will be hosted by leading European dealers between May and June. Spanish dealer HJM will hold the first event on 30 May, followed by HCM UK on 6 June and Swiss dealer Probst Maveg on 8-9 June. Later in the month, events will be hosted by HCM Netherlands, HCM France, Luyckx in Belgium and SCAI in Italy. Moviter in Portugal and SIA Alwark in Latvia and Lithuania will complete the qualifying line-up.

The winners of these national heats will advance to the grand final in Amsterdam, where they will compete for the title of LANDCROS European Operator Champion. The overall winner will receive an exclusive trip for two to Japan, while the top three contestants will be invited to act as brand ambassadors and demonstrate their skills at the LANDCROS outdoor demonstration area at Intermat Paris 2027.

Hitachi Turns Operator Skill Into a European Contest Ahead of LANDCROS Transition published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.