Garden machinery and equipment can be dangerous if not properly maintained and safely 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:

In this course the following aspects will be covered:

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

Operation -  pre-use adjustments, test starting, safe and efficient operation of a range of machines.

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

Course will run on the following dates: 

15th October 2026

13 May 2027

The course will involve some discussion related to health and safety and the on the way the machines work. However, most of the course will consist of practical demonstrations,  and one to one tuition from the Instructor.

To receive a certificate of attendance you will need to demonstrate safe operation of each of the machines to the instructor.

Please note this is not a substitute for Certificate of Competence training, which should be undertaken by professional operators. 

At the end of the course you will be issued with a Certificate of Attendance from B.E.S.T. in Horticulture Education Limited.,

The cost for this course is £ 175.00 and is available at our Ryton centre.

Click on the green ' Enrol on a Course ' button above 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 other necessary Personal Protective Equipment/clothing will be provided.

You will  have received some training which goes towards preparing you to undertake NPTC City & Guilds Certificates of  Competence qualifications in Amenity Shredders/Chippers, using Hand Held Hedgetrimmers, Brushcutter/strimmers 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, training, and 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.