The PGC Health Check: Why Your Sweeper Brushes Aren't Picking Up
Date Released: 1 Apr 2026 Category: Blog
If you are the proud owner of a Westwood tractor, you likely bought it for one very specific reason: the Powered Grass Collector (PGC). In the world of garden machinery, the Westwood PGC is legendary. While other mowers rely on air suction to "blow" grass into a hopper—a system that often fails the moment the British weather turns damp—the Westwood uses a mechanical sweeping action.
By using a rotating barrel of sturdy brushes, the PGC physically sweeps the grass clippings and autumn leaves into the collector. It’s why a Westwood can produce a "bowling green" finish even when the grass is soaking wet. However, because this is a mechanical system with moving parts, it requires a little more attention than a simple hollow plastic chute.
As we move through the "May Flush" and into the heavy growing season, you might notice your PGC isn't performing quite like it used to. Perhaps it’s leaving "stragglers" behind, or maybe the heavy roller isn't producing those crisp, classic stripes. In this guide, we’ll look at how to give your PGC a health check and why a few replacement bristles can save your summer lawn.
As the spindle spins at high speed, the brushes "flick" the grass upwards into the hopper. At the same time, the heavy rear roller trails behind, pressing the grass down to create the stripes. It is a brilliant system, but it relies on three things: tension, timing, and toughness. If the belt is loose, the brushes are worn, or the timing is off, the system fails.
1. Worn or Missing Bristles
This is the most frequent issue. Over time, as the brushes sweep against the ground, the nylon bristles naturally wear down. They get shorter and lose their "flick." More importantly, if you’ve ever swept over a stray stone or a thick tree root, you might find that entire sections of bristles have been "shaved" off or snapped.
With the engine off and the PGC disconnected, look at the brush rows. The bristles should be straight, stiff, and of a uniform length. If they look "frizzled" like an old toothbrush, they won't have the strength to lift heavy, wet grass.
2. The PGC Drive Belt is Slipping
During the spring, the grass is heavy with moisture. This puts a lot of weight on the brushes. If your PGC Drive Belt is old and stretched, it might have enough "grip" to spin the brushes when the mower is empty, but as soon as it hits a thick patch of clover or damp grass, the belt slips. You’ll often hear a faint squealing noise when this happens.
3. Incorrect Sweeping Height
Many owners set the PGC far too low, thinking it will "scrub" the lawn clean. In reality, the bristles should only just "kiss" the surface of the grass. If the brushes are digging into the thatch, they will wear out ten times faster, and the added resistance can snap your drive belt or even damage the internal bearings.
The roller should move freely. If the bearings at either end of the roller are seized with rust or tangled with old garden twine, the roller will "skid" across the grass rather than rolling over it. This ruins the stripe and puts extra strain on the tractor. A quick spray of lubricant or a replacement set of Roller Bearings from our spares shop can make the world of difference.
Step 1: Disconnect and Flip. Disconnect the PGC from the back of the tractor. Most owners find it easiest to tip the collector onto its back (on a soft surface like an old rug) to get a clear view of the brush spindle. Step 2: Inspect the Mouldings. The bristles are held in plastic "stocks" or mouldings. Check these for cracks. If the plastic is shattered, the bristles will fly out the moment you engage the PTO. Step 3: Replace in Sets. While you can replace individual bristles, we usually recommend replacing a whole row (or the whole set) at once. If you mix old, short bristles with new, long ones, the spindle will be "out of balance," causing the PGC to vibrate and wear out the bearings prematurely. Step 4: Tension the Belt. While the PGC is off, check the drive belt. If it feels "loose" or you can see cracks in the rubber, it’s time for a new one. A genuine Westwood PGC Belt is designed to handle the high-torque start-up of the sweeper system.
Clean After Use: It’s tempting to just park the mower in the shed, but wet grass left inside the PGC will rot and create a "crust" around the brushes. A quick scrape-out with a wooden lath after a wet mow will prevent the bristles from getting "glued" together.
Listen to the PTO: When you engage the sweeper, it should be a smooth "whirring" sound. If you hear a "clatter," a stone might be trapped in the brush spindle. Stop immediately! A trapped stone can ruin a set of bristles in seconds. Check the Webbing: Ensure the "netting" or the top of the collector box isn't blocked. Air needs to escape for the grass to be "thrown" in. If the mesh is clogged with dust and fine grass, the "back-pressure" will stop the grass from entering the hopper.
Don't struggle with a collector that isn't collecting. Whether you need a full PGC Brush Kit, a replacement Sweeper Belt, or even the Nylon Bristles themselves, we have the exact parts for your specific Westwood model. Replacing these components is far cheaper than a new collector and will ensure your lawn stays looking like a Premier League pitch all summer long.
By using a rotating barrel of sturdy brushes, the PGC physically sweeps the grass clippings and autumn leaves into the collector. It’s why a Westwood can produce a "bowling green" finish even when the grass is soaking wet. However, because this is a mechanical system with moving parts, it requires a little more attention than a simple hollow plastic chute.
As we move through the "May Flush" and into the heavy growing season, you might notice your PGC isn't performing quite like it used to. Perhaps it’s leaving "stragglers" behind, or maybe the heavy roller isn't producing those crisp, classic stripes. In this guide, we’ll look at how to give your PGC a health check and why a few replacement bristles can save your summer lawn.
How the PGC Actually Works
To fix a problem, it helps to understand the "magic" behind it. The PGC is driven by a rubber belt connected to the tractor's Power Take-Off (PTO). This belt spins a horizontal spindle inside the collector box. Attached to this spindle are hundreds of stiff nylon bristles arranged in rows.As the spindle spins at high speed, the brushes "flick" the grass upwards into the hopper. At the same time, the heavy rear roller trails behind, pressing the grass down to create the stripes. It is a brilliant system, but it relies on three things: tension, timing, and toughness. If the belt is loose, the brushes are worn, or the timing is off, the system fails.
Common Culprits: Why Your Sweeper is Struggling
If you’re finding clumps of grass on the lawn after a pass, or if the collector feels "heavy" but half-empty, check these three common areas:1. Worn or Missing Bristles
This is the most frequent issue. Over time, as the brushes sweep against the ground, the nylon bristles naturally wear down. They get shorter and lose their "flick." More importantly, if you’ve ever swept over a stray stone or a thick tree root, you might find that entire sections of bristles have been "shaved" off or snapped.
With the engine off and the PGC disconnected, look at the brush rows. The bristles should be straight, stiff, and of a uniform length. If they look "frizzled" like an old toothbrush, they won't have the strength to lift heavy, wet grass.
2. The PGC Drive Belt is Slipping
During the spring, the grass is heavy with moisture. This puts a lot of weight on the brushes. If your PGC Drive Belt is old and stretched, it might have enough "grip" to spin the brushes when the mower is empty, but as soon as it hits a thick patch of clover or damp grass, the belt slips. You’ll often hear a faint squealing noise when this happens.
3. Incorrect Sweeping Height
Many owners set the PGC far too low, thinking it will "scrub" the lawn clean. In reality, the bristles should only just "kiss" the surface of the grass. If the brushes are digging into the thatch, they will wear out ten times faster, and the added resistance can snap your drive belt or even damage the internal bearings.
The "Striping" Secret: The Rear Roller
A Westwood isn't just about collecting; it’s about the finish. If your stripes look "wavy" or uneven, take a look at the heavy roller at the back of the PGC.The roller should move freely. If the bearings at either end of the roller are seized with rust or tangled with old garden twine, the roller will "skid" across the grass rather than rolling over it. This ruins the stripe and puts extra strain on the tractor. A quick spray of lubricant or a replacement set of Roller Bearings from our spares shop can make the world of difference.
How to Refresh Your PGC: A DIY Guide
The beauty of the Westwood design is that you don't have to replace the entire collector just because the brushes are worn. You can "refresh" the system by replacing the Brush Stock Moulding Kits or individual bristles.Mid-Season Maintenance Tips
To keep your PGC working perfectly through the summer, keep these tips in mind:Clean After Use: It’s tempting to just park the mower in the shed, but wet grass left inside the PGC will rot and create a "crust" around the brushes. A quick scrape-out with a wooden lath after a wet mow will prevent the bristles from getting "glued" together.
When to Visit Westwood Tractor Spares
If your PGC is making a grinding noise, or if the brushes simply refuse to turn even with a new belt, you might be looking at a Bearing or Internal Spindle issue.Don't struggle with a collector that isn't collecting. Whether you need a full PGC Brush Kit, a replacement Sweeper Belt, or even the Nylon Bristles themselves, we have the exact parts for your specific Westwood model. Replacing these components is far cheaper than a new collector and will ensure your lawn stays looking like a Premier League pitch all summer long.