Storing your lawnmower out in the open can be a dicey decision as it is susceptible to the elements. The good news, you can store your lawnmower in the open without ruining the machine in the process. If you follow through with the right procedure and precautions, it should be a bother.
Lawnmowers can be stored outside after use but only with the right care. When placed under unfavorable weather, the plastic can get degraded whirl the metals could also get rusted. But, this only happens when you have them out in the open for an extended period.
If storing your lawnmower outside is your only option, then stick around to learn all about what that means for you and your mower. If you’ve been storing your lawnmower outside, and you’re wondering how it affects your mower, this article is for you too. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to storing a lawnmower outside.
What Happens When You Store Your Lawn Mower Outside?
Lawnmowers are made up of a combination of plastic and metal parts. Some of the recent models you would find also consists of a unique powder coating. The coating shields your mower from several ills like rusting. But it also has other durable parts like aluminum that can’t be affected by the elements.
When using for a while, you may notice that some parts have begun breaking and the paint peeling. At this point, if you stored your mower outside, you may risk it being damaged. So, I would suggest that you cover up those parts as soon as you can and repaint it if necessary.
In your lawnmower, the only part you may find exposed is the steel part of the blades meant to cut your lawn. You may find out that they are more prone to getting rusted quite sooner than other parts. Even when you have covered the whole mower in a thick waterproof cover or tarp, moisture could still find its way in.
Since your protective cover may be ineffective with your mower blades, then get some rust prevention liquid. That should stop the rusting process once applied to your blades.
How to Store a Lawn Mower Outside?
Before you store your lawnmower outside, you would need to consider a few things you should consider.
Start by asking these questions:
- Are you storing the lawnmower for a long or short term?
- What kind of lawnmower is it? Gas-powered, electric-powered, or battery-powered?
Let’s get into the details:
Short-Term Storage
If you get to use the lawnmower every couple of weeks, it means it is being stored short term.
It ensures your fuel doesn’t get degraded, keep your engine oil, and your mower dry. For this, you could use a tarp or waterproof that would protect your mower from the elements. You could also place it under an eave or an overhang.
You could also use a plastic storage box, a popup tent, or anything that can temporarily protect your mower. This would keep your mower safe before your next use is due.
Long-Term Storage
Storing your lawnmower long-term means you are planning for the winter break. Winter can be very crucial, and you would need secure maintenance practices.
Quick one: For the maintenance process, you would need the following:
- You’ll need a few paper towels as things could get messy when you drain the liquids. Your paper towels should always be handy and accessible.
- Get your trowel ready as you would also need it to scrape off any dirt or caked grass from the blades. You could get any scraping tool at all if you don’t have access to a spade.
- You would need an old container or grease pan that would hold the liquids or any kind of spill in place. It could also be an old plastic container, but you need it to keep the area clean.
- When you need the blades out of the machine, a ratchet always comes in handy. You could use your hand in place of the ratchet, but I wouldn’t advise it.
- You would need a pair of plastic gloves as well. This should always be there if you don’t want your hand looking all messy when you’re done.
- Get yourself a spark plug cleaner or a wire brush that you could use in cleaning out your spark plug. If you need an alternative, then a kitchen knife could do the job.
- Lastly, you would need a tarp laid on the floor while you cleaned. If you are cleaning out on your lawn or anywhere you wouldn’t risk getting messed up, you need this. As a substitute, you could opt for an old blanket or a large garbage bag.
If you want to store your lawnmower, you would need the following maintenance procedure:
- You should remove and clean out all your spark plugs. They could start the engine by mistake.
- If you own a lawnmower that is powered by gas, you should empty all the gas.
- You should also drain out any oil you can from the oil tank.
- You should also take out the blades. Be careful enough to wear protective clothing, as you could get cut. Your blade is quite more susceptible to rusting than other parts because it is on the ground.
- You should also place your lawnmower in an upright position that would stop any residue fuel from spilling.
Once you are done with the maintenance process, your lawnmower is ready to be stored for a long time. You should ensure you use a breathable material to cover your mower as they could trap humidity.
But, if you can only use this kind of protective clothing, then you could take it off for a few hours every day.
Storing Different Kinds of Mowers Outside
There are a few different kinds of mowers out there. Three different kinds, to be exact. Each one has a different reaction to being stored outside.
Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers
The fuel tank of your gas-powered lawnmower is quite crucial and should be treated as such. Your fuel is prone to degrade after 2 to 4 weeks and causes the system to clog. You could use a fuel stabilizer to get this fixed.
Electric Lawn Mowers
When it comes to your electric lawn mower, the most sensitive part is the power cable. Since this cable connects to electricity, it would be best if you kept it away from water. You could be electrocuted by a naked wire exposed to water. Or even worse, it could cause a bridge that would affect the engine itself.
Battery-powered Lawn Mowers
Your battery-powered lawn mower is not designed to retain its battery for a prolonged period. If you leave in the machine, it could start swelling.
So, when you are storing your lawnmower, endeavor you take them out and store separately. They best thrive at room temperature, in a dry place, and far from heat sources.
Should a Lawn Mower be Left Outside?
Your lawnmower was, of course made for outdoor use. By default, this gives them a healthy level of protection against the ills of the weather. So, leaving your mower out on the lawn or anywhere doesn’t necessarily mean they would get damaged in a short while.
Still, your lawnmower has its limit, and you have to consider these limits when leaving out for a season. The humidity accumulates over time cause ruin the frame by making your mower get rusted.
During Hot Weather
I wouldn’t advise you left your lawnmower out in the sun, but that doesn’t say it is entirely inadequate. Your mower was designed to lead a rough life and can withstand the effects of the sun.
But, leaving your lawnmower out in the heat may affect the plastic parts after a while. They could become more brittle, succumb to discoloration, or even wear out faster than is expected.
Leaving your mower in the sun with gasoline in the engine, although not recommended, is usually not dangerous.
During a Storm
You shouldn’t let your lawn mower stay outside when it is raining, but it is understandable if you do by accident. It is quite easy to forget they were out in the first place, especially when you have to attend to other things.
Yet, you should be worried about water getting into the oil and gas tanks. It could contaminate your fuel and make it unusable. If you have water in your tank already, you should start by draining the containers before you mow.
During Colder Months
Your lawnmower is more at risk during cold and winter seasons. It is during this period that you may need to store your lawnmower the longest. It would be hard mowing over wet lawns or in the cold.
I wouldn’t advise that you leave your lawnmower out during winter, but it’s cool if you decide to do that. You could check the section where I talked about storing your lawnmower outdoor for the long-term.
But, if you want to store out when it’s snowing, there is ice or just cold, get yourself a protective cover. Without that, you could risk some irreplaceable damage to your mower.
Now you know all about storing your lawnmower outside, let’s see other places you could store.
Using a Lawn Mower Cover
Getting a lawn mower cover is never a wrong choice. As an owner, this cover can defend against the elements that could ruin your machine. If you want to leave your mower stored out, then you should get one.
No More Rust
As an owner, one of the major problems you may face is rusting. If you want to leave your machine out, then you should prepare for this. You may notice the rust starting from the visible exteriors, but it doesn’t end there. It could move over to the blade and other intricate parts of your lawn mower unless you use protective clothing.
Broken Cables
If you make use of an electricity-powered lawn mower, then this applies directly to you. Your lawnmower’s power cable is coated with a rubber covering to protect it from moisture and rain. But, once they are regularly exposed to sun and water, they could start expanding and break. With the help of a protective covering, then you could help prevent this and save your machine.
Protects the Engine
There are various types of mower cover that you could access, and among them is one you could attach to the top of your engine. These types are stuck on top of your lawnmower just above the engine area. With this, your engine from any dirt or debris that may be flying around while you mowed.
Unclogging the Engine
You might find this similar to the last use, but this is more intense. It helps you protect the engine during stormy weather. When it rains heavily, some twigs and wet leaves may be scattered all over the place. Some may get into your engine and leave your machine all clogged up, but you can avoid this with protective clothing.
Keeps out Small Animals
You may not have thought of this before, but this is a real thing you should always consider. When you place your lawnmower outsider, there is a risk that animals like mice ad squirrels may crawl up to your machine. A protective cover would ensure your lawnmower is shielded from them at all times.
Keeps the Place Looking Good
It is possible that your lawnmower would have grass and dirt all over after a mowing session, and trust me; no one wants to see that. You may not have shred or something that could properly clean the machine blades. With a protective cover, you can keep the place looking a lot more presentable.
If you weren’t convinced in the first instance, this should convince you to get a cover for your lawnmower. Having to store them outside can be a lot safer for your machine if they are covered.
Other Places You Can Store Your Lawn Mower.
Your lawnmower is a very important part of your household, and it should have a resting place as well. There are so many places you could keep your lawnmower in your home to ensure they are not damaged.
Find a Shed
If your yard is big enough, getting a shed for your mowing equipment shouldn’t be the hardest thing to do. It would help you keep the elements out of your lawnmower and not in your main house. Since you have decided to stick to a shed, you could also store your chemicals and another thing out there.
But, if you don’t have a shed in your home, you should get set to build one. You should ensure that the top layer of your shed is made of aluminum, and it has a base of concrete. This may seem to you like a lot of work, but it serves its purpose in the end.
Try Out a Container
If you have a mower that isn’t so sized, you could get a container or mini-sized shed for your mower. This would be especially great if your mower is foldable.
If you own a ride on mower that is a bit bigger, you may still be able to store it in a container. But, your container should have a bit of allowance when it comes to height.
Store in a Canopy or Tent
Your lawn mower could survive in a tent or canopy if you live in a less intense climate. Your canopy should be made from high-quality ripstop nylon. You should ensure you close up your mower properly to get blown away by the wind. You could just place it by your house to serve as a shield.
You should also realize that the tent or canopy is still made of fabric and can again be ripped open and even be damaged by sunlight. Check if it is condensed as a number of them do not have a base, and a massive storm could leave some water stored under your mower.
If you have access to higher-end models, then you may not worry about the water. Some have vents that would let the water out and prevent mud from forming at the base. Also, ensure that the canopy is strong enough to withstand heavy wind.
Place Under an Overhang
If you find a place under your deck or an eave, that may be all you need to store your lawnmower. Butt, for extra coverage, you could buy extra awning to protect any unprotected side.
Cover with a Waterproof Cloth or Tarp
If you want to opt for this storage option, it is just like using a tent without lifting it. You may find some waterproof covers made specifically for your mowing machine. It may be provided by its manufacture to be effective against water and still breathable to fight against condensation.
Still, you may not have access to such, but you could use a simple tarp over your mowing machine. You could make it cover by nailing it to a wall or fence. You can do this to ensure that it has enough space even when covered.
In all, ensure your lawnmower has cooled off before you place with your tarp or waterproof cover.
Leave it Out
You may also decide to leave it out in the open and still have a functional lawnmower. Your mower may have a bit of protection that may help keep it safe from the season elements.
But, I wouldn’t suggest you did that, as giving your extra machine protection is one way to ensure its longevity. You are more likely to have a rusted mower at the end of the day.
These are a few options if you want them outside your main building. But if you want it in your garage, then check these other options:
Store in a Corner
If you can find a befitting corner in your garage, then it could serve as a place for your lawnmower. But you should ensure it is somewhere you can easily access. Placing your machine under a shelve would become tiring in the long run, as it takes a lot of stress to bring out for each use.
If you have one of the newer models of a lawnmower, it would be easier for you as their wheels are foldable. You would find this in any model that has been made to be leakproof.
Try a Shelf
Some mowers were designed to be lightweight for you to pick up and move about quickly. Good news, this could be an important factor when storing up as well. You can easily lift them and place them on a shelf in your garage.
Just like I said before, if you have a newer version that this should be fun for you. You can fold them up and place them on a shelf like it was nothing. So, this is also a great storing option you could adopt.
Drop from a Wall
If you have a few straps and hooks on your wall, then you could hang your lawnmower with them. This would work well if your lawnmower were designed to be placed vertically. But, if you have one that doesn’t function well when set vertically, this may be a wrong choice. It could leave your machine messy and, in some cases, might even ruin the whole thing.
Drop from the Ceiling
If you intend to hang your lawnmower from the ceiling, then you would need a lot of trusts. You should be sure that your ceiling is strong enough to hold the weight of your lawnmower. If it isn’t, then everything could come crashing down and ruining both your ceiling and machine at the same time.
Another thing you also need to consider is your hoister. Any hoisting device you use in holding up your lawnmower needs to have integrity for the weight it’s about to suspend. You should ensure it is made of high-quality fabric.
The last thing you should check is the joints of your lawnmower. I’d advise that you made sure it is strong enough to be suspended for that long. But, I wouldn’t jump on the option of having my lawn mower dangling in my garage while I slept. Yet, it is up to what you want, and it is convenient for you.
Place Over a Lift
Another great option could be your regular car lift. You may not view this as a popular option, but t can sever you whole it lasted. A full-fledged lift in your garage can handle your lawnmower’s weight with ease at an elevated position. But the real question now is, can you lawnmower hang for a long time?
Well, you would need to understand the strength of its joints before you placed it up there. On the brighter side, your lawnmower is taken off the ground and free from moisture building up. So you see, it still has its right sides a well as questionable sides.
Keep it in your Basement
Your Basement is another place you could store your lawnmower. It offers you a calm and safe place for your equipment. There wouldn’t be an issue of moisture rusting your blades or the frame of your lawnmower in your Basement.
But, this is an option for a long term plan. Let’s say it’s winter, and you want it someone that can promise you safety, then you could pull your lawnmower into your Basement. You wouldn’t need a protective cover for this option as the place is well covered.
Note: The only threat to your lawnmower in your Basement is plumbing issues. If a pipe breaks without you knowing, then it could flood up the place and affect your blade as well.
These are some of the places you could store your lawnmower, in and outside your home. You may find other places around your home that could hold up your lawnmower. All that matters is that you got your lawnmower securely stored, no matter the season.
Conclusion
So… Do you need the ultimate guide to storing your lawnmower outside? You would need to consider all the possible factors that could affect your lawnmower. You should know the various weather conditions and how you could manage them.
Still, you could also choose to store your lawnmower in other places besides the open field.