How to Store Lawn Mower Outside: A Comprehensive Guide.

Introduction

Properly storing your lawn mower is essential for maintaining its longevity and performance. Outdoor storage can be a viable option if you follow the necessary steps to protect it from the elements. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into various aspects of storing your lawn mower outside and ensuring it remains in good condition for years to come.

Types of Lawn Mowers

1. Push Mowers

• Simple design
• Manually operated
• Easy to store outside

Push mowers are the most basic and commonly used type of lawn mower. They require manual effort to push them across the lawn, and their simple design makes them relatively easy to store outside.

2. Riding Mowers

• Larger and more powerful
• Designed for larger lawns and properties
• More challenging to store outside

Riding mowers are larger and more powerful, designed for larger lawns and properties. Their size and complexity make storing them outside more challenging, but not impossible.

3. Robotic Mowers

• Advanced technology
• Autonomous operation
• Require additional precautions for outdoor storage

Robotic mowers are the most advanced option, with autonomous operation and minimal user intervention. Storing them outside may require additional precautions to protect their sensitive electronics.

Pre-Storage Preparation

Before storing your lawn mower outside, it’s crucial to prepare it properly to ensure its longevity.

1. Proper Cleaning

• Remove grass clippings
• Eliminate dirt and debris
• Prevent rust and corrosion

Spotless your lawn mower before storing it outside to prevent rust and corrosion. Remove any grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower’s body, blades, and wheels.

2. Draining Fuel

• Minimize fuel leaks
• Prevent engine damage
• Store fuel separately

Drain the fuel from your lawn mower before storing it outside to reduce the risk of fuel leaks and engine damage. Store the fuel in a separate, approved container away from your mower.

3. Disconnect the Spark Plug

• Ensure safety
• Prevent accidental starts
• Reduce the risk of injury

Disconnecting the spark plug ensures that the mower won’t accidentally start while you’re working on it or during storage, reducing the risk of injury.

4. Blade Maintenance

• Remove and inspect the blade
• Sharpen or replace as needed
• Maintain optimal cutting performance

Before storing your lawn mower, remove the blade and inspect it for wear or damage. Sharpen or replace it as needed to maintain optimal cutting performance.

Outdoor Storage Options

1. Shed or Garage

• Best protection from the elements
• Ensure proper ventilation
• Allow for easy accessibility

Ideally, store your lawn mower in a shed or garage to provide the best protection from the elements. Ensure there’s enough space for proper ventilation and accessibility.

2. Tarps or Covers

• Use UV-resistant covers
• Choose waterproof covers
• Select the right size and shape

If a shed or garage isn’t an option, consider using a tarp or cover specifically designed for lawn mowers. Look for UV-resistant and waterproof covers that fit your mower’s size and shape.

a. UV-Resistant Covers

Protect your lawn mower from sun damage by using a UV-resistant cover that blocks harmful ultraviolet rays.

b. Waterproof Covers

A waterproof cover is essential for protecting your mower from rain, snow, and moisture, which can lead to rust and corrosion.

3. Proper Ventilation

• Prevent condensation buildup
• Reduce the risk of mold and mildew
• Maintain optimal engine performance

Ensure your lawn mower has adequate ventilation during storage to prevent condensation buildup, which can lead to mold, mildew, and potential engine damage. You may need to partially remove the cover or use a cover with built-in vents to allow for airflow.

4. Security

• Use locks or security devices
• Deter theft
• Keep your mower safe

Secure your lawn mower with a lock or other security measure to deter theft and keep it safe while stored outside. You can use a chain and padlock or invest in a dedicated lawn mower lock.

Weather Considerations

When storing your lawn mower outside, consider the effects of weather on its longevity and performance.

1. Moisture and Humidity

• Cause rust and corrosion
• Store on a raised surface
• Minimize contact with the ground

High moisture and humidity can cause rust and corrosion on your lawn mower. To combat this, store it on a raised surface or platform to minimize contact with the ground and moisture.

2. Extreme Temperatures

• Affect performance and longevity
• Use climate-controlled storage if possible
• Protect with insulated covers

Extreme temperatures can negatively affect your lawn mower’s performance and longevity. If you live in an area with harsh winters or scorching summers, consider using a climate-controlled storage solution if possible or protect it with an insulated cover.

3. Pests and Animals

• Damage to the mower
• Keep the area clean and free of debris
• Reduce the risk of infestation

Insects, rodents, and other animals can cause damage to your lawn mower while it’s stored outside. Keep the area around your mower clean and free of debris to reduce the risk of infestation.

Routine Maintenance and Inspection

While your lawn mower is stored outside, it’s essential to regularly check and maintain it to ensure it remains in good condition.

1. Monthly Inspections

• Check for signs of damage or wear
• Address any issues promptly
• Maintain optimal performance

Inspect your lawn mower at least once a month during storage to ensure it’s still well-protected and in good condition. Perform any necessary maintenance or adjustments as needed.

2. Pre-Season Preparation

• Check the oil level
• Replace or clean the air filter
• Reconnect the spark plug

Before using your lawn mower for the first time after storage, perform some basic maintenance tasks. Check the oil level, replace or clean the air filter, and reconnect the spark plug.

3. Post-Season Maintenance

• Drain fuel and store separately
• Clean and sharpen or replace the blade
• Disconnect the spark plug

After the mowing season, prepare your lawn mower for storage by draining the fuel, cleaning and sharpening or replacing the blade, and disconnecting the spark plug.

Conclusion

Storing your lawn mower outside is a feasible option when you take the necessary precautions to protect it from the elements, weather, and potential threats. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll ensure your lawn mower remains in excellent condition and ready for use when the next mowing season arrives.

FAQs

Can I store my lawn mower outside during winter?

Yes, you can store your lawn mower outside during winter, as long as you protect it from moisture and extreme temperatures. Use a waterproof and insulated cover, and consider storing it on a raised surface to minimize contact with the ground.

How do I prevent rust on my lawn mower when storing it outside?

Prevent rust by cleaning your lawn mower thoroughly before storage, using a waterproof cover, and ensuring proper ventilation. Store it on a raised surface to minimize contact with moisture.

Is it safe to store a lawn mower with gasoline in the tank?

It’s recommended to drain the fuel from your lawn mower before storing it outside. This reduces the risk of fuel leaks and damage to the engine.

Can I store my robotic lawn mower outside?

You can store your robotic lawn mower outside, but you’ll need to take additional precautions to protect its sensitive electronics. Use a waterproof and UV-resistant cover, and ensure proper ventilation to avoid condensation buildup.

How often should I check on my lawn mower while it’s stored outside?

Check on your lawn mower at least once a month during storage to ensure it’s still well-protected and in good condition. Perform any necessary maintenance or adjustments as needed.

What should I do if I notice rust on my lawn mower during storage?

If you notice rust on your lawn mower while it’s stored outside, remove the rust using a wire brush or sandpaper, and apply a rust inhibitor or protective coating to prevent further corrosion.

Can I store a lawn mower vertically to save space?

Some lawn mowers can be stored vertically to save space. Check your mower’s user manual for specific instructions and guidelines on vertical storage.