Maintain hand tools and service small engines used in horticulture

Old push mowers. Image by Kim Thomas

This unit standard is for people working, or intending to work, in any kind of horticulture. After working thru the activities and library of resources you will be on your way to: identify the range of tools and equipment used in horticulture; sharpen three hand tools using files, oilstones or grindstones, and electric bench grinders; and check and service two stroke and four stroke small engines used in horticulture.

• Library of resources
• Learning activities

This unit is used in the following courses

• Horticulture

Tools and equipment used in horticulture

• Name 20 items of common horticulture tools and equipment: identify by name,how to use, and safety requirements.
• The use of common horticulture safety equipment is demonstrated to show that the user is fully protected from, and aware of, the hazards.

This includes the use eye protection, hearing protection, dust exclusion,and an electric safety device.

Sharpen three hand tools using files, oilstones or grindstones, and electric bench grinders

This may include but is not limited to – narrow blades, wide blades, curved blades, metal attachments.

• The sharpness of the cutting edge is assessed in terms of the need for improvement.
• Sharpening and safety equipment is selected and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• The cutting edge is reconditioned in a safe manner in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and workplace procedures.
• A variety of different types of hand tool blades are sharpened.

Check and service two stroke and four stroke small engines commonly used in horticulture

This may include but is not limited to – lawnmower, weed eater, hedge trimmer, compactor.

• Equipment use and maintenance actions are recorded in logbook or equivalent recording system in accordance with workplace procedures.
• Engine fuel and oil requirements are determined for specific engines.
• Two and four-stroke engines are refuelled according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Air filters and spark plugs are cleaned, checked, and adjusted according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Engine oil is changed according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Hazards are identified and minimised, isolated or removed if necessary, for each small engine.