How to Store a Lawn Mower Outside Safely
Let’s face it, not everyone has a shed or garage they can use for extra space. That means keeping equipment inside isn’t an option. In the sections below, learn how to store a lawn mower outside and protect it from harsh weather.
There’s nothing wrong with storing a lawn mower outside, as long as you follow the proper steps. The machine needs to be cleaned, dried, covered, and elevated to keep it in working condition.
You will also need to empty the gasoline tank and drain the oil for long term storage. Any unused gas left inside the lawn mower during the winter can go bad and clog up the carburetor.
Can a Lawn Mower be Stored Outside?
There are many arguments against storing expensive equipment outside. The most important reasons come down to damage and theft – as no one wants their property ruined, or stolen.
The good news is, there are a handful of steps you can take to keep your lawn mower safe. Follow these tips if you need to keep your machine outside for an extended period of time:
How to Store a Lawn Mower Outside
1. Buy a Lawn Mower Cover
One of the best ways to protect the exterior from water damage is to invest in a cover. This will prevent rain, snow, and other elements from damaging your machine.
Even though lawn mowers can get wet (to some degree) you should try keeping them dry. And when storing a lawn mower outside, this recommendation is even more important.
If your machine is always wet, metal components can begin to rust. This type of damage will weaken the lawn mower and parts can eventually break. That’s why using a cover can stop rust, because it will keep the exterior dry.
2. Keep the Machine Elevated
Keeping your lawn mower elevated will also prevent standing water from building up underneath. Using a cover is just the first step for protecting the exterior – as you also need to shield the bottom from water.
Lawn mowers are only a couple of inches off the ground. That means even a small amount of water will come in contact with the blades. And because lawn mower blades are made out of metal, they will begin to rust.
But you also want to prevent water from making contact with any exposed wiring. This can cause a short and the machine won’t be able to start. Putting your lawn mower on blocks, a skid, or trailer is the best way to keep it off the ground.
3. Remove Gas
Removing gas from your lawn mower is essential, if you store it outside (or inside). Any fuel left in the tank creates the possibility of a fire hazard – which is something no homeowner wants to create.
But gas can also wreck havoc on the carburetor. Moisture from condensation can mix together with ethanol in the fuel. This can end up clogging the carburetor and damaging the entire fuel system.
That’s why it’s so important to remove the gas, or let the machine run dry. If you have any fuel left in red gas cans it should be stabilized for the winter. This product can help keep gas from going bad for a long period of time.
4. Drain the Oil
In addition to removing gas from your lawn mower, you should also drain the oil. This is especially important if you live in a cold climate and plan on storing your machine outside for the winter.
Old oil will contain water and acid – which are two byproducts of combustion. And if you let the machine sit for an extended period of time, these things can damage your engine.
Before storing your lawn mower outside, change both the oil and filter. Make sure to let the engine run for 5-10 minutes, as this will help circulate the oil throughout the machine. Then you can let it cool down before covering it up.
5. Lock up the Lawn Mower
Security is one of the last things you might think about when storing your lawn mower outside. No homeowner wants to wake up in the middle of the night and see their valuable items being stolen.
For these reasons, you should invest in a high quality lock to secure your lawn mower. You can choose to do this step before or after the machine has been covered, just as long as it’s secured to an object.
An additional tip is to store the lawn mower out of sight (like behind your house). I would avoid keeping the machine in a location where it can be seen from the street – as this sight will only invite people in to steal it.
Can You Store a Lawn Mower Outside in the Winter?
Yes, you can absolutely store a lawn mower outside in the winter. The most crucial thing you can do is invest in a high quality cover.
Your lawn mower will experience harsh weather conditions from snow and ice. That’s why it helps to have a dedicated lawn mower cover for protection.
When choosing the right product, keep an eye out for build quality. You need a cover that is thick, so it won’t tear or rip and be exposed during the winter.
Can You Leave a Lawn Mower Outside in the Rain?
Yes, you can also leave a lawn mower outside in the rain. Just remember to make sure the gas cap is secure, so no water gets in the fuel tank.
This can create major problems for your machine and even cause damage. As you have learned by now, any amount of moisture that gets inside the fuel tank will need to be drained.
Having a lawn mower cover will also help protect your machine from the rain. The exterior is designed to get wet, but you want to protect delicate areas that may have exposed wiring.
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