Crane operator finalists with Southeast Regional Sponsors. (L-R) Eduardo Carcache, CIC; Big John Clodfelter, Superior Crane-2nd place; Fred King, Superior Crane-1st place; Joe Everett, Superior Crane; Cliff Dickinson, Crane Industry Services; Paul Aldridge, AME-2nd place; Barney Shorter, Crane Training Group; Jason McElrath, M&P Specialty Insurance; Terry Norris, Crane Industry Services.
First place finalist Fred King of Superior Cranes at the controls.
Joe Everett (center), owner of Superior Cranes, with 2nd place tying winners Big John Clodfelter (left), Superior Cranes, and Paul Aldridge (right), AME Inc.
The crane courses.
An operator prepares to compete.
Superior Cranes’ Link-Blet HTC 86100 truck crane.
The Pipe Challenge.
Operators answer rigging questions, supplied by Columbus McKinnon.
Barrel Dunk Challenge. Precision is measured as part of the operator’s evaluation.
Operators must complete three cranes challenges, demonstrating precision, hand-eye coordination, and efficient operation.
Superior Cranes provided three Link-Belt cranes for the event.
Friends and family watch operators compete.
More than 150 spectators watched the competition throughout the day.
The Pipe Challenge.
An operator maneuvers the pipe through the course.
Superior Crane operator Jim Aldredge with owner Joe Everett.
Second Place Finalist Big John Clodfelter has more than 30 years of experience operating cranes.
