Brushcutter and Trimmer refresher training
Our refresher for use of a brushcutter and trimmer courses run in North Yorkshire, ideal for foresters, arborists, IRATA, tree surgeons, gamekeepers, rangers, conservation, gardeners and utility workers
Refresher for Brushcutter and Trimmer
Brushcutter and trimmer refresher
Things you must consider when it comes to machinery refreshers, who is asking you for the evidence of a refresher?
- Is it for your peace of mind?
- Requirements of your insurance company?
- A contract that you have to fulfil?
Before booking be sure that this refresher course will fulfil your requirements.
If you have contracts with specific companies they may insist on awarding organisations refresher certificates.
Carrying out brushcutter and trimmer activities within the industry as a professional is something to take seriously, as such it is important to keep up to date and attend refresher courses.
Think of it this way, if you have an incident one of the first questions your insurance company or HSE may ask, is,
‘When were you last refreshed?’
It’s not going to sound so good if you say you haven’t had a refresher since you did your original course twenty years ago.
Don’t forget HSE advise a refresher every 5 years and some insurance companies are now insisting on a refresher course every three years.
Do you know what your insurance company requires?
With all this in mind and you are now faced with having to gain your chainsaw from a rope and harness refresher have you been:
- struggling to find the right fit in terms of a training provider?
- confused by all the names, numbers and acronyms for the land based courses that are available to you?
- worried you will get it wrong or waste your hard-earned money?
- concerned that it will feel like going back to school?
Then we can help you!
No matter which sector you are coming from, and your level of experience. We can work with you to understand your training needs. To tailor a programme and provide courses that will be suitable for you.
Providing award-winning training through tailored, flexible, friendly, approachable trainers and assessors.
All courses are run in small groups. To ensure you have as much time as needed to learn and experience the requirements for the assessments. If you chose to take them. Trainers and assessors are experienced, friendly, and approachable.
Finally, as with all Lowe Maintenance courses, you get support and advice via email or on the phone. If you need it in the future. Just because you’ve completed the course doesn’t mean you can’t get in touch if you need more information or guidance.
Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion
This is the certificate you will gain on successful completion of your brushcutter and trimmer refresher course, it is valid for 3 years.
We would advise that you check with your insurance company before booking to ensure they are happy with a certificate of completion, many are, but is it certainly worth checking first!
Companies we already provide refresher courses for are:
- National Parks
- National Trust
- Natural England
- Burnley Borough Council
- amongst many others
Our one-day brushcutter and trimmer refresher training course provides you with any industry updates, along with plenty of time for you to demonstrate maintenance, pre-use checks and safe use of the machines.
Group sizes are no more than four candidates to one trainer, so nice small group sizes. To allow for plenty of discussion and questions.
You will have access to the Lowe Maintenance portal on booking where you will find leaflets and updates to look through before attending the practical session.
On this brushcutter and trimmer refresher course you will be covering or demonstrating:
- risk assessment and emergency procedures
- relevant health and safety regulations and changes where applicable
- ability to identify all the controls
- carry out maintenance and pre-use checks
- demonstration of sything and swatting techniques
- demonstrate safe use
- leave the site tidy and according to the instruction given
- carry out cleaning and post-use checks
- and demonstrate industry best practice
Candidate portal
On booking your course you will be given access to the candidate portal, where you will find lots of leaflets and documentation to read through before you attend the course. This helps you with the terminology on the day and gives you a heads-up of what to expect in any discussions. There could even be some videos to watch to help embed your learning ready for the session.
Assessment
You will be assessed ongoing throughout the session by your trainer who will make recommendations as required. There is no formal assessment process for this course but must meet the requirements listed above to be fully refreshed and demonstrate competence.
We may be stating the obvious and it is sad that we have to be saying this as it appears it is not common practice.
When attending a course with us, you must follow any instructions that are given when using any equipment and carrying out tasks, for the safety of all involved.
For further details please see our terms and conditions for courses.
You will require:
- Reading glasses (if applicable)
- Gloves – leather or anti-vibration
- Helmet with ear defenders and mesh visor (brushcutter)
- Safety glasses
- Ear defenders and full clear visor (trimmer)
- Safety footwear
- Appropriate outdoor clothing
- Dinner and drinks
Testimonials




- Cost £150 +VAT = £180
- Certification - Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Competence
Valid for 3 years - Length
Training - 1 day

Other courses of interest to you
- Chainsaw, Felling and Forestry
- Tree Climbing and Rigging
- Landbased Machinery
- Pesticides
- Livestock
- Pest Control
- Refreshers
- Online Courses
-
You have probably noticed that there are even more courses than you thought possible.
It seems like there could be one for walking over lumpy ground soon!
With this in mind please feel free to give us a shout and ask for help in figuring out which ones will be right for you.
As a result you may discover you do not need to do as many courses as you first thought!
FAQ
Why do I need a brushcutter ticket?
Under PUWER regulations anyone using machinery within their work must have received adequate training whether it be formal or informal and must meet the requirements of their insurance company.
What is the minimum working distance?
The minimum safe working distance when using a brushcutter or trimmer is 15m.
This is clearly shown on the safety pictorial label on the machines shaft.
If the sticker is missing – replace it!
Can I use a clearing saw blade?
Not with the brushcutter and trimmer course, the clearing saw has its own qualification which you would need to take seperatley if required.
Are there specialist brushcutter trousers for extra protection?
Yes, there are a range of brushcutter trousers that are available for extra protection.
Stihl, Oregon and Husqvarna brands are available. There is a jacket option available too.
What PPE should I be wearing?
When using a trimmer (cord head):
- plastic full-face shield (protection against resins)
- ear defenders
- non-snag clothing, ideally coveralls
- gloves
- safety footwear
- personal first aid kit
When using a brushcutter:
- helmet with metal mesh visor
- safety glasses
- ear defenders
- non-snag clothing, ideally coveralls
- gloves
- safety footwear
- personal first aid kit
Why use a plastic full-face visor for trimmer cord?
It is important that you use the correct PPE when switching from brushcutter to trimmer. The trimmer head requires you to wear the plastic full-face visor NOT the metal mesh visor.
The full-face plastic visor gives you the required level of protection from resins and saps from the plants you are trimming.