Storing your lawn mower outside year-round is possible if you take the right steps to protect it from the elements and prevent damage. This guide will walk you through safe and effective outdoor mower storage.
Many homeowners have limited storage space and may wonder if storing their lawn mower outside is a viable option. Can you store a lawn mower outside year-round? Yes, you can, provided you take appropriate measures to safeguard it. Storing your lawn mower outside requires careful preparation and the right protection to ensure it remains in good working condition through all seasons. This detailed guide will explore the best practices for outdoor mower storage, covering everything from initial preparation to ongoing protection.
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Preparing Your Mower for Outdoor Storage
Before you even think about the how of outdoor storage, you need to prepare your mower. This step is crucial for long term lawn mower storage and prevents damage and ensures it starts up easily when you need it again.
Cleaning is Key: Removing Debris
- Deck and Underside: Use a stiff brush or a putty knife to scrape off any caked-on grass clippings, mud, or debris from the mower deck. This prevents corrosion and keeps the blades clear. A hose can also be used for a thorough rinse, but ensure you allow it to dry completely afterward.
- Engine and Exterior: Wipe down the engine block, wheels, and the mower’s body with a damp cloth. This removes dirt and grime that can attract moisture.
Fuel System Maintenance: Preventing Gunk
This is perhaps the most critical step for any engine-powered equipment stored for extended periods.
- Run the Tank Dry: The simplest method is to run the mower until it completely runs out of gas. This ensures there’s no fuel to go stale in the tank or carburetor.
- Use a Fuel Stabilizer: If you don’t want to run it dry, fill the fuel tank almost full (to reduce condensation) and add a fuel stabilizer according to the product’s instructions. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilized fuel to circulate through the fuel system, including the carburetor. This prevents gumming and corrosion.
Oil Change: Fresh Lubrication
- Change the Oil: Just like with your car, changing the oil before storage is a good practice. Old oil can contain contaminants and acids that can damage the engine over time. Warm the engine slightly before draining the old oil for easier flow.
Battery Care (for Electric Start Models)
- Disconnect the Battery: For electric start mowers, it’s best to disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining over time.
- Charge the Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged before storing it.
- Storage Location for Batteries: If possible, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place indoors, away from extreme temperatures. Recharge it periodically if you plan to store it for a very long time.
Spark Plug Check and Treatment
- Remove the Spark Plug: With the spark plug removed, pour a small amount (about a teaspoon) of clean engine oil into the cylinder.
- Turn the Engine Over: Gently pull the starter cord a few times (or turn the engine over with the electric starter if applicable). This coats the cylinder walls with oil, mower rust prevention, and protects against corrosion.
- Reinstall or Leave Out Spark Plug: You can either reinstall the spark plug or leave it out until you’re ready to use the mower again. If you reinstall it, ensure it’s not tightened down.
Blade Maintenance: Sharp and Protected
- Sharpen the Blade: A sharp blade cuts grass more cleanly and puts less strain on the engine.
- Protect the Blade: Apply a light coating of oil or grease to the blade to prevent rust. You can also wrap it in a cloth treated with oil.
Essential Outdoor Mower Storage Solutions
Once your mower is prepped, you need to decide on the best way to store it outside. This involves selecting a suitable outdoor mower shelter and utilizing mower cover recommendations.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Mower Shelter
The goal of an outdoor mower shelter is to keep the mower dry and protected from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and ice.
Covered Patios or Carports
- Pros: Offers decent protection from rain and sun. Utilizes existing structures.
- Cons: May not offer full protection from wind-blown rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. Can still be exposed to moisture and pests.
Dedicated Mower Shelters/Tents
These are specifically designed to house lawn equipment.
- Materials: Typically made from heavy-duty polyethylene or canvas with a metal frame.
- Benefits: Offer good protection from UV rays, rain, and snow. Many are designed for easy access and ventilation.
- Considerations: Ensure the shelter is appropriately sized for your mower and any other equipment you might store. Check for UV resistance and water-repellent properties.
Under a Deck or Eaves
- Pros: Utilizes existing overhead protection. Can provide good shielding from direct precipitation.
- Cons: Often exposed to ground moisture, wind, and potential pest intrusion. May not be entirely protected from blowing rain or snow drifts.
The Importance of a Quality Mower Cover
Even with a shelter, a good mower cover recommendations is a vital layer of defense, especially for winter mower storage.
What to Look for in a Mower Cover:
- Waterproof/Water-Resistant: Essential to keep moisture away from the engine and metal parts. Look for covers made from materials like heavy-duty polyester or vinyl with a waterproof coating.
- UV Protection: Direct sunlight can degrade plastic parts and fade paint. A cover with UV inhibitors will extend the life of your mower’s exterior.
- Breathability: While you want to keep moisture out, some breathability is good to prevent condensation buildup inside the cover, which can lead to rust. Look for covers with vents.
- Fit: A cover that fits snugly but isn’t too tight will stay in place and offer better protection. Many covers are designed with elastic hems or tie-downs for a secure fit.
- Durability: A thicker, more robust material will last longer and offer better protection.
Cover Recommendations:
- Heavy-Duty Polyester Covers: Often a good balance of durability, water resistance, and UV protection.
- Vinyl Covers: Typically very waterproof but can sometimes be less breathable and may crack in extreme cold.
- Universal Fit vs. Model-Specific: Universal covers are more affordable but might not fit perfectly. Model-specific covers offer a better fit but cost more.
Additional Protective Measures
Beyond the shelter and cover, consider these to further enhance mower rust prevention.
Elevating the Mower
- Wooden Blocks or Pallets: Place your mower on wooden blocks or a pallet. This elevates the mower off the ground, preventing moisture from the soil or concrete from seeping into the mower deck and chassis. This is particularly important if your outdoor storage area is prone to dampness.
Protecting the Wheels and Tires
- Tire Inflation: Ensure tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure can lead to flat spots if the mower sits for a long time.
- Tire Covers: If your mower is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, consider covering the tires to prevent UV damage and degradation.
Pest Control
- Seal Entry Points: Mowers stored outside can become attractive homes for rodents and insects. Check for any open fuel lines or small openings where pests could enter and nest. You can loosely stuff steel wool into exhaust pipes or other openings to deter small animals, but remember to remove it before starting the mower.
Storing Mower in Garage vs. Outside
While this guide focuses on outdoor storage, it’s worth briefly comparing it to storing mower in garage for context on the benefits of outdoor solutions.
| Feature | Storing Mower Outside | Storing Mower in Garage |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Frees up indoor garage space. | Utilizes valuable indoor space. |
| Protection | Requires dedicated shelter and covers for full protection. | Offers more consistent protection from elements and pests. |
| Preparation | More critical fuel and engine prep needed for outdoor. | Fuel prep is still recommended, but less susceptible to major issues. |
| Cost | Can be more cost-effective with basic shelters. | No additional shelter cost if garage is available. |
| Maintenance | Requires diligent checks on cover and shelter integrity. | Less frequent checks needed for the mower itself. |
Shed Mower Organization
If you have a shed, while it’s not strictly “outside,” it often means keeping the mower alongside other garden tools. Good shed mower organization ensures accessibility and prevents damage from other items.
- Wall Mounts or Racks: Consider wall-mounted or freestanding racks to keep the mower elevated and out of the way.
- Clear Pathways: Ensure you can easily access the mower without having to move multiple other items.
- Tool Storage: Keep fuel stabilizers, lubricants, and cleaning supplies nearby for easy maintenance.
Year-Round Protection and Maintenance
Storing your mower outside year-round means it needs to endure various weather conditions.
Spring: Preparing for the Season
- Inspection: Before the first mow of spring, give your mower a thorough inspection. Check the oil level, tire pressure, and spark plug.
- Fuel: If you used a fuel stabilizer, the fuel should still be good. If you ran it dry, add fresh fuel.
- Test Run: Start the mower and let it run for a few minutes to ensure everything is working correctly. Listen for any unusual noises.
Summer: Routine Checks
- Keep it Clean: Continue to clean the mower after each use to prevent buildup.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the mower for any signs of rust or damage that might have occurred due to weather or pests. Address these promptly.
Fall: The Lead-Up to Winter Mower Storage
This is when you’ll repeat most of the preparation steps outlined at the beginning of this guide.
- Clean Thoroughly: Remove all grass clippings and debris.
- Fuel System: Treat the fuel system with a stabilizer or run the tank dry.
- Oil Change: It’s often recommended to change the oil in the fall to start the next season with fresh oil.
- Blade Care: Sharpen and oil the blade.
- Battery: Prepare the battery for storage if applicable.
Winter: The Ultimate Test
- Secure Shelter: Ensure the mower is in its most protected shelter, fully covered, and ideally elevated.
- Snow and Ice: If heavy snow or ice is expected, try to brush it off the cover to prevent undue stress on the shelter or cover.
- Periodic Checks: While the mower is stored, it’s still a good idea to check on it occasionally, especially after significant weather events, to ensure the cover is secure and no damage has occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will storing my mower outside damage the engine?
A: If properly prepared and protected with a good cover and shelter, the engine should be fine. The key is to prevent moisture from entering the fuel system and engine internals. Using fuel stabilizer and ensuring the mower is clean and dry before storage are critical steps.
Q2: Can I store my riding mower outside?
A: Yes, the same principles apply to riding mowers. They require robust shelters and covers due to their larger size and more complex components. Ensure the seat is also protected from the elements.
Q3: What happens if I don’t use a fuel stabilizer?
A: Without a stabilizer, gasoline can degrade over time, forming varnish and gum deposits. These deposits can clog the carburetor and fuel lines, making it difficult or impossible to start the mower when you need it.
Q4: How often should I check on my mower when it’s stored outside?
A: During the active mowing season, check it as needed after each use. For long term lawn mower storage, especially through winter, a quick visual inspection every month or two can be beneficial to ensure the cover is secure and there are no obvious issues. After severe weather, a check is recommended.
Q5: Is it better to store a mower with a full or empty gas tank outside?
A: It is generally recommended to store a mower with a full tank of gas treated with a fuel stabilizer. A full tank minimizes the amount of air in the tank, which reduces condensation buildup. However, running the tank dry is also a common and effective method to prevent fuel system issues. The crucial part is addressing the fuel system in one of these ways.
By following these comprehensive steps, you can confidently store your lawn mower outside year-round, ensuring it remains in excellent condition and ready for use whenever you need it.