Having a garden shed as storage is always a good idea. But there may be times when a shed is not available due to zoning laws, budget constraints, or there is not enough space for it.
You might be wondering what the best way to store your lawnmower without a shed is.
Worry no more and read on to know exactly how to store your lawnmower outside correctly.
In a Hurry?
How to store your lawnmower without a shed:
Clean your mower of debris, dirt, leaves, and moisture.
When tipping gas-powered mowers to their side, make sure that the spark plug is removed from the unit, and the oil and fuel will not spill.
Remove and fully charge mowers before storing them in a cool, dry place for mowers with batteries.
If there are removable parts like cords, detach and clean them before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Prepare the storage area. Put in a stack or pallets to elevate it.
You can use any other material that would boost it from the ground and hold the weight of heavy objects. Elevation helps in air circulation and keeps the lawnmower dry.
Place the mower atop your pallet. You can opt to put a cloth or any breathable membrane on top of the pallet before you put the mower.
Cover your lawnmower with a lawn mower cover. If you do not have an available lawn mower cover, you can also use tarpaulin or any water-proof covers.
Is it OK to Leave Lawn Mower Outside?
Lawnmowers are sturdy equipment, and they are designed for outdoor use.
They can withstand some level of exposure to weather elements.
Leaving mowers outside for short periods will not damage them, but extended periods of exposure pose some risk of damage and faster wear.
The best option is to allocate storage space for your lawnmowers, like your garage or a storage shed.
Here’s what can happen if you decide to leave it outside unprotected.
1. Leaving Lawn Mowers Outside Under the Sun
Leaving a lawnmower outside under the sun may cause discoloration and brittleness on its plastic components.
If your lawnmower is gas-powered, leaving it outside under the sun is not recommended.
2. Leaving Lawn Mowers Outside Under the Rain
It is not a good idea to leave your lawnmowers in the rain, even morning dew.
Moisture can damage the spark plug, carburetor, and engine. It can also cause rusting in the wheels, blades, and push handle.
Though these parts are usually covered, you don’t want to risk getting wet and rust.
Water can also infiltrate the gas tank and contaminate its fuel and engine oil; then, you will have trouble starting it on.
3. Leaving Lawn Mowers Outside During Winter Seasons
Winters and cold temperatures are particularly harsh on any power tools.
It is strongly advised that you do not leave your lawnmower unprotected during the winter months.
If you have no choice but to leave your lawnmower outside, here are some things that you can do to minimize potential damage:
The first thing is to clean your lawnmower of debris, dirt, and moisture.
Put it on top of a wooden pallet to eliminate ground contact.
Lay a thick, water-proof tarpaulin on the wooden pallet to avoid condensation from forming and clinging to the lawnmower.
Cover the lawnmower with another tarpaulin or any protective cover.
Make sure to cover the entirety of the lawnmower and that the tarp doesn’t have any rips or holes where water can enter.
It is a great idea to build a temporary plastic garden storage box. You can also store it in a dry place like your basement or porch.
Risks in Leaving Your Lawn Mowers Outside
Discoloration of parts
Brittleness of plastic parts
Rusting
Shorter lifespan
Frequent and expensive repair and parts replacement
How to Store Lawn Mowers Outside: Short-term vs. Long-term Storage
1. Short-term storage
It is also known as routine storage. It means using your lawnmower at an interval– usually every one or two weeks.
This allows constant lubrication of the engine and keeps the fuel from degrading.
After use, clean it and simply cover it with a tarp or any waterproof cover.
You can also store it in a pop-up tent or porch.
You can also put it under an overhang or trees.
2. Long-term storage
Also known as seasonal storage, it is usually done in preparation for the winter months for the following spring again.
Here’s how to prepare your lawnmower for long-term storage.
Electric and Battery-powered Mower
1. Ensure that the unit is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
Tip the mower to expose the underside. Check for and clean the mower blades, axles, and driveshaft of debris, leaves, moisture, and lodged dirt.
2. Prepare the storage area.
Put in a stack or pallets to elevate it.
You can use any other material that would elevate it from the ground and hold the weight of the lawnmower.
Elevation helps in air circulation and keeps the lawnmower dry.
3. Remove the lawnmower battery, fully charge it, and store it in a cool, dry place.
4. If there are removable cords, remove them and store them in a cool, dry place.
If the cables are not removable, you can reel or coil them so rodents won’t reach them.
5. Place the mower atop your pallet.
You can opt to put a cloth or any breathable membrane on top of the pallet before you put the mower.
6. If your electric mower has a foldable handle, fold it until it sits on top of the mower motor deck.
7. Cover your lawnmower with a lawn mower cover.
If you do not have an available lawn mower cover, you can also use a tarp or waterproof cover.
PRO TIP: Make it a habit to charge your electric lawn mowers before and after use.
Fully charge the batteries before storage to lengthen their lifespan.
It will extend the battery life. If you have extra batteries that aren’t being used, fully charge them every two months.
Gas/Fuel-Powered Mower
1. Remove the spark plug.
2. Tip the mower on its side but before you do so, make sure that the fuel will not spill.
It may mean running the team for some units until it completely dries, while some involve covering the fuel inlet with plastic.
To run it dry, add a fuel stabilizer and turn it on for a few minutes to distribute through the mower system. Turn it off and empty the excess into a container.
3. Ensure that the dipstick is down and the air filter is up.
4. After tilting the unit, check for and clean the mower blades, axles, and driveshaft of debris and lodged dirt.
Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel and fuel tank degradation.
5. Prepare the storage area. Put in a stack or pallets to elevate it.
You can use any other material that would elevate it from the ground and hold the weight of the lawnmower.
Elevation helps in air circulation and keeps the lawnmower dry.
6. If there are removable parts, remove them and store them in a cool, dry place.
7. Pallet.
Place the mower atop your pallet. You can opt to put a cloth or any breathable membrane on top of the pallet before you put the mower.
8. Fold.
If your mower has a foldable handle, fold it until it sits on top of the mower motor deck.
9. Cover your lawnmower with a lawn mower cover.
If you do not have an available lawn mower cover, you can also use tarpaulin or any water-proof covers.
FAQs
Is it OK to empty the gas tank of my mower for winter storage?
Yes. We recommend emptying your gas tank for storage to avoid degradation of the fuel tank.
Can I clean my lawnmower using a pressure washer?
It depends on the type of mower. You can pressure wash a riding mower, but it is not advisable to do this for a battery or electricity-powered mower.
Conclusion
Though storing your lawnmowers outside is not advisable, there are ways to do it that can protect your equipment and leave you with peace of mind.
Coupled with proper maintenance, you can have your lawnmower in good shape for a long time.
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