Garden machinery and equipment can be dangerous if not properly maintained and correctly operated. This course is aimed at amateur gardeners who want to know how to correctly maintain and safely operate a range of garden machinery. It covers the following types of garden machinery and equipment:

Rotary mower
Cylinder mower
Hedgecutter
Brushcutter / Strimmer

In this course the following aspects will be covered:

Pre-use safety - Legislation, pre-use safety, risk assessment, Personal Protective Equipment, pre-start checks, fuel safety, identification and function of the controls, safety decals and their meaning.

Operation -  pre-use checks, pre-use adjustments, test starting, safe and efficient operation of the piece of equipment.

Post operation - leaving the site clean and tidy, inspecting the machine after use, routine maintenance operations, safe storage.

Course dates ( three consecutive days of training and assessment):

1-3 February 2021

12-14 July 2021

The course involves some classroom elements on the way the machines work and on basic safety principles, but most of the course is practical demonstration and discussion with the instructor.  To complete the course successfully you will need to demonstrate your competence to the instructor.

Training will be to industry standard, so if required it can be followed by registration and assessment  to achieve one or more City & Guilds NPTC Certificates of Competence (details below).

Candidates may also choose be registered and assessed against the Royal Horticultural Society Qualification - Safe Operation of Powered Garden Machinery.  If you prefer this option, please click on the link below to make sure you are enrolled in the correct course.

At the end of the course, once you have demonstrated your competence in using the machines to the instructor, you will be issued with a Certificate from BEST.

This programme consists of 3 consecutive days at our Ryton Centre:  9.30 - 15.30 each day.

Cost is £295.00  plus  V.A.T. at £59 for the complete course, total payable £354.

Click on the green ' Enrol on a Course ' button below and complete an enrolment form on line; please ensure you provide ALL of the details requested.  Payment is through the website using a credit/debit card or PayPal.

This is predominantly a practical course with some theory underpinning knowledge, therefore you need to wear comfortable casual clothing which should include safety footwear. It is also advisable to be prepared for inclement weather by brining waterproof clothing. All necessary Personal Protective Equipment/clothing will be provided.

You will  have received training which prepares you to be assessed for NPTC City & Guilds Certificates of  Competence in  using Hand Held Hedgetrimmers, Brushcutter/strimmer and Pedestrian Operated Mowers.

If you wish to go on to achieve these  professional Certificates of Competence please talk to your course tutor about arranging registration and assessment.

Costs would be:

• Hand Held Hedgetrimmers, £30 Registration £66 independent assessment
• Brushcutter/strimmer,  £30 Registration £66 independent assessment
• Pedestrian Operated Mowers,  £30 Registration £66 independent assessment

You would be also welcome to attend any of the short course or masterclasses that we offer, or perhaps (if not already studying one of them) one of the Royal Horticultural Society Courses at one of our centres.