SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Mow lawns in landscaped areas 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119697  Mow lawns in landscaped areas 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Identify the various types of mowers and their specific functions
  • Operate walk behind mowers safely
  • Mow lawn areas to industry standards
  • Conduct preventative maintenance checks on mowers
  • Apply knowledge of mowing in landscape maintenance 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Demonstrate knowledge of communication and communication at Abet Level 3 and Health and Safety 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Height adjustments cool and warm season lawns, lawns in sun or shade 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the different types of mowers and their methods of operation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Types of mowers - rotary, reel / cylinder; clean cut, jagged, torn cut, height adjustment of cut
  • Methods of operation - petrol, electrical, 4-stroke, 2-stroke, octane rating of fuel, safe filling with fuel 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operating principles of rotary mowers are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The operating principles of reel mowers are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The adjustment of the 'height of cut' for rotary and reel mowers is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The difference in the fuel requirements of 2-stroke and 4-stroke petrol mowers is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct method of filling a mower's fuel tank is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct the necessary preparations for mowing. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • PPE - safety boots, goggles, overalls, gloves
  • Clear area to be cut - stones, wire, bottles/tins, hollows, manhole covers, tree stumps, irrigation heads
  • Safety and mechanical checks, correct selection and mixing of fuel, blade adjustments, stone
    guards
  • Defects - cracks in chassis, fuel leaks, blade attachment, wheels, handles, on-off switch, guards,
    cable wear, plug connection 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct selection and use of PPE is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mower safety and mechanical checks are described and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The inspection and clearing of the area to be mown, is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply the correct procedures and operating techniques for mowing. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Height of cut adjustment, overseeded and shade lawns, vigorous, stolon and rhizome lawns
  • Petrol mowers - no cigarette smoking, fill only paved, concrete surfaces, start up procedures
  • Electrical mowers - do not mow over cable, equivalent left and right hand turns, prevent twists
    and kinks in cable, start up procedures, keep extension cord connections dry
  • Mowing principles - overlapping cuts, single cut, double cut, grassbox 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The preparation and setting of the mower is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct start up and operation of a petrol mower's engine, is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct start up and operation of an electrical mower, is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct method and techniques of mowing a lawn are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The types of cut and the quality and finish that each effect are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of mower maintenance and correct storage. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Mechanical - chassis, blades, height adjustment, wheel bearings, starter cord, cables, handles,
    guards and lubrication
  • Filtration - air, fuel, oil
  • Electrical - cables, plugs, on/off switches
  • Cleaning - remove grass and sand from chassis and engine, wash and dry mower thoroughly
  • Storage - close fuel valve, store in a clean, secure position 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The comprehensive maintenance checks that should be carried out on a mower are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures to follow in the cleaning and storage of a mower after use are demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge be assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge, but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as
    competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found, both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome and must be assessed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
    Specific Outcome 2, 3 and 4
  • Conduct the necessary preparations for mowing
  • Apply the correct procedures and operating techniques for mowing
  • Understand the importance of mower maintenance and correct storage 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.
  • Specific outcome embedded in the learning for this level of learner 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    Specific Outcome 2, 3 and 4
  • Conduct the necessary preparations for mowing
  • Apply the correct procedures and operating techniques for mowing
  • Understand the importance of mower maintenance and correct storage 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyze, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Specific Outcome 2, 3 and 4
  • Conduct the necessary preparations for mowing
  • Apply the correct procedures and operating techniques for mowing
  • Understand the importance of mower maintenance and correct storage 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Specific outcome embedded in the learning for this level of learner 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Specific Outcome 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • Identify the different types of mowers and their methods of operation
  • Conduct the necessary preparations for mowing
  • Apply the correct procedures and operating techniques for mowing
  • Understand the importance of mower maintenance and correct storage 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors must:
  • Be accredited as an assessor by the relevant ETQA
  • Hold an assessor certificate according to the current requirements
  • Have experience or in depth knowledge of the horticultural industry, specifically as it relates to ornamental aspects 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The Learner
  • is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision
  • should have access to work site procedures
  • should demonstrate an application of ethics and values
  • must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care
  • should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles

    At this level the communication / reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49668   General Education and Training Certificate: Horticulture  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Amaloba Horticultural Services 
    2. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    4. Green Futures 
    5. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    6. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    7. Kimbali Holdings 
    8. Madzivhandila Agricultural College 
    9. Maishamalema Development Training 
    10. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    11. Medu Skills Consultants 
    12. Nkangala Public FET College - Central Office 
    13. Nophelo Training Centre 
    14. Progressive Environmental Projects 
    15. Protea Agricultural Training Centre 
    16. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    17. Seza Bantu Rural Agricultural Projects 
    18. Voyano Project Management 
    19. Waterberg FET College - Central Office 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.