As winter approaches, or you face wet weather, blazing sun, and unfavorable weather, many homeowners may wonder about storing lawn mower outside. This is more the case if they do not have a shed or dedicated lawn mower outside storage unit available. Storing a lawn mower outside without proper protection can cause damage and reduce its lifespan. However, there are several options and considerations to remember to ensure your lawn mower stays in good shape even without a shed.
One option is a waterproof tarp or lawn mower cover designed for outdoor use. A heavy-duty tarp is a breathable material to protect mowers from snow, rain, and extreme temperatures. With ventilation, the chances of condensation are reduced. For something more robust, a covered porch or garage next to the house can be a viable short-term storage option for your lawnmower.
To keep your mower dry and quickly accessible, you can opt for a mini shed or a pop-up tent if you have enough space. Removing the battery and storing it indoors for electric mowers can prevent potential damage from extreme temperatures or moisture. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank for gas-powered mowers and run the mower for a few minutes to ensure all the gas is used before storing. Checking and changing the oil, removing grass clippings, and protecting plastic parts with a cover or tarp can help keep your mower in good condition.
In our ultimate guide, you can learn more about the options for storing a lawn mower without a shed. You’ll find tips and precautions to ensure proper storage and maintenance for gas and electric mowers. By the end, no matter if you only have electric, gas, or battery-powered lawn mowers, you’ll know the best DIY projects to undertake to store lawn mower outside. (Read Can Lawn Mowers Get Wet)
Can I Store a Lawn Mower Outside Without a Shed?
One of the significant concerns regarding storing your lawnmower outside without a shed is the weather. Extreme temperatures, rain, snow, and other weather elements can cause damage to your mower and shorten its lifespan. However, the good news is it is possible to store your lawn mower outside without a shed if you take proper precautions.
One option is to use a waterproof tarp or cover to protect your lawnmower from the elements. Ensure the cover is made of a breathable material and fits snugly over the lawnmower. This will help prevent moisture buildup and keep your mower dry. It’s also essential to store your mower in an upright position to prevent any fluids from leaking out.
If you’re seeking a more permanent solution, you could consider building a mini shed or using a storage unit. This will provide a secure place to store your used battery-powered lawn mower during the off-season or for long-term storage. Remove the spark plug and gas from your gas-powered lawn mower before storing it in a shed or storage unit.
Another option is to store your mower on a covered porch or under a pop-up tent. This will provide some protection from the elements while allowing easy access to your mower. Use a heavy-duty tarp or cover to protect your mower from extreme weather.
While storing your lawn mower outside without a shed may have its downsides, it is possible to do so safely and effectively with the proper precautions. Whether you choose to use a cover, build a mini shed, or store your mower under a tent, taking the time to properly store your lawnmower will help keep it in great shape and extend its lifespan.
What Happens When You Store Your Lawn Mower Outside?
Storing your lawn mower outside without a shed can be challenging, especially during winter. Extreme weather like snow, rain, and wind can damage your mower, shortening its lifespan. Leaving your mower outside without protection can cause rusting, corrosion, and other issues.
To keep your mower safe and in great shape, it is essential to store it properly.
1. Lawnmower Out in the Sun?
Storing a lawn mower out in the sun is not a good idea. But that doesn’t mean it will hurt your machine. Mowers are made to be tough and can handle many different situations.
The most significant problem with leaving a mower out in the heat is that the plastic parts may change color or wear out faster and become more brittle. Even though it’s not a good idea, leaving your mower out in the sun with gas in the engine is usually not dangerous.
The gas tanks are made to let gas vapors out, and the engines are made to work in a boiling, high-pressure atmosphere. (Read Which Way Does Lawn Mower Blade Go On)
2. Lawnmower Out in the Rain?
Leaving a lawn mower in the rain is not a good idea, but many of us do it, even by chance. The most dangerous thing is when water enters the oil or gas tanks. If that happens, empty both before you can start your mower. But this is unlikely to happen because electric lawn mowers usually have covers and screens to keep things safe.
What would you do if you forgot your lawn mower in the rain? Let it dry in the sun for a couple of hours; there probably won’t be anything wrong with it. If you leave it out in the rain, the only bad thing that might happen is that some parts might rust, much like you see your gardening tools do if you leave these outside.
3. Lawnmower Out in the Winter?
Winter and cold weather could do a lot of damage to our lawn mower. Most of us will also want to store a lawn mower for longer times. It’s not a good idea to leave your lawn mower outside during winter; you must do a few things first. Cold, snow, and ice can do a lot of damage to your machine, and it may not be fixed. So, cover the mower during the winter to keep it safe.
Options for Storing Your Lawn Mower
If you don’t can access a shed, don’t worry! There are still plenty of options for storing your lawn mower. Here are a few:
Storing Your Lawn Mower in a Shed
A shed is a way to go if you’re seeking the ultimate guide to storing your lawn mower. A storage shed provides a safe place to store your mower, protecting it from weather and theft. You can see where to store lawn mower no shed with your mower upright to save space and keep it in great shape.
Storing Your Lawn Mower in a Garage
You can quickly store your lawn mower there if you have a garage. This convenient option for lawn mower storage allows easy access to your mower whenever needed. Ensure you store your mower in a dry and safe spot, away from heat sources or extreme temperatures.
Storing Your Lawn Mower Outside
You can still safely store your lawn mower outside if you don’t have a shed or garage. The only downside to this option is your mower will be exposed to the weather. To protect your mower, use a waterproof tarp or cover. Ensure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup. You can also store your mower in a porch or under a tent.
When storing your lawn mower outside, ensure it’s upright, and the power cable is safely tucked away. If you have a gas-powered lawn mower, drain all the gas and oil from the tank and oil tank. You can use a gas stabilizer to keep the gas fresh for short-term storage.
Remove the spark plug and keep it in a safe place. Cover the mower with a protective cover from dust, debris, and other outdoor elements. Consider using a storage unit or mini garden shed for long-term lawn mower storage.
Here are a few things to remember for lawn mower storage outside:
- Make sure the cover is waterproof and breathable.
- Store your mower in an upright position.
- Remove the spark plug and keep it in a safe place.
- Use a gas stabilizer to keep the gas fresh for short-term storage.
- Drain all the gas and oil from the tank and oil tank for long-term storage.
- Keep the power cable safely tucked away.
- Store your mower in a safe spot.
- Remove or clean the blades. Ensure you wear protective gloves while doing so.
With these tips, you can safely store your lawn mower outside and give it a break from its rough life on your lawn. Whether you have a push, electric, or gas-powered mower, you can find a way to store it safely and keep it in great shape for years to come. (Read Will Grass Clippings Grow Grass)
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Option
You need to consider a few things regarding storing your lawn mower outside without a garden shed. Here are some factors to remember:
Climate
The weather in your area will play a significant role in determining the best storage option for your lawnmower. If you live in an area with intense temperatures or harsh winters, you must take extra precautions to ensure your mower stays in great shape.
Space
Do you have enough space in your yard to store your lawn mower safely? If not, consider other options, like a storage unit or mini shed. Ensure your storage option is quickly accessible and provides enough space for your mower.
Budget
Plenty of storage options are available to store your lawnmower outside, but not all will fit your budget. Consider how much you will spend on a storage solution and look for options within your price range.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start looking at specific storage options for your lawn mower. Here are a few things to remember:
- Short-term storage: A waterproof tarp or cover may be sufficient if you only need to store your mower for a few hours or days.
- Long-term storage: Consider storing your mower upright for longer storage periods to prevent damage to the plastic parts. You may also want to remove the spark plug and add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to keep the mower safe during the off-season.
- Gas-powered mowers: If you have a lawn mower, drain all the gas before storing it. You can use a gas stabilizer to keep the fuel tank clean and prevent rust.
- Electric mowers: Battery-powered lawn mowers should be stored in a dry place with easy access to a power cable. Ensure you remove the battery before storing the mower.
- Protective cover: A heavy-duty tarp or waterproof cover can protect your mower from extreme weather and keep it dry. Ensure the cover is made of breathable material to prevent moisture buildup.
- Other storage options: If you don’t have enough space in your yard, consider storing your mower in a garage or garden shed. You can also set up a pop-up tent or use a covered porch.
By considering these factors and choosing the right top storage shed option to store your lawnmower, you can ensure it stays in great shape and lasts through its rough life of outdoor use.
Conclusion
Storing your lawn mower outside without a shed may seem challenging, but it can be done safely and effectively with the right tools and techniques. Whether you seek short-term or long-term storage options, there are a few things you need to remember to keep your mower in great shape.
If you store lawnmowers outside during winter or extreme weather, use a tarp or cover to protect them from the elements. You can also store your electric lawn mower upright to keep it dry and prevent grass clippings from accumulating. For long-term storage, store your lawnmower in a storage unit or a storage shed to keep your mower safe and quickly accessible. (Read Pre Emergent Before Rain Guide)
Ensure to drain all the gas from your gas-powered lawn mower and use a fuel stabilizer to prevent damage to the fuel tank and spark plugs. You can also change to fresh oil and use a protective cover to store your lawnmower.
If you don’t have enough space for gas-powered lawnmowers in a shed or storage unit, you can store your mower under a covered porch or in a pop-up tent. Just ensure to keep it away from heat sources and extreme temperatures. Planning and preparation allow you to store your lawn mower outside without a shed safely.
Whether you have electric lawn mower, a battery-powered lawn mower, or a gas-powered mower, follow the proper storage techniques to ensure your lawn mower lasts for years to come.
