Gas mowers can be stored outside temporarily with fewer issues. For long-term storage, drain the fuel tank or add a stabiliser to prevent engine problems. Always cover the mower with a waterproof tarp to shield it from rain and snow. Electric mowers are more sensitive to water damage.
Gas mowers would probably be fine for a couple of days, but if rainwater gets into the spark plug you'll have a tedious few hours drying out the spark plug before you can mow again. However, electric mowers - both corded and cordless - must not be left outside. Water damage can break these mowers beyond repair.
Thank you for your response! If your mower gets caught in the rain, the rain will not harm the mower. Your electrical components are water sealed.
Even the blade of the lawn mower is susceptible to rusting. If you store your lawn mower outside where it is exposed to harsh elements of the weather, getting a lawn mower cover will prevent the rain and moisture from damaging your equipment. It also protects your lawn mower from the harsh sunlight.
While many people keep their mowers in the garage or under a carport, the ideal lawn mower storage place is in a shed. A storage shed offers a perfect balance between protection and convenience.
Waterproof Tarp
This is the last method you should consider but can be a short-term storage solution. If you don't have any other space to store the lawn mower, cover it with a tarp and slide it into a shady spot such as under the deck. This will help protect it from sun and dust exposure.
Remove Debris and Clean Top
Once the mower's cooled down, use a brush or leaf blower to remove lose debris from the top of the mower. DO NOT use a hose on this part of the process. The top of the mower houses many parts that aren't watertight, including the air filter, oil filter, and spark plug housing.
Store the mower in a cool, dry place such as a garage or shed, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of fumes if the tank contains fuel. Lastly, cover the mower with a tarp or mower cover to keep it clean and protect it from dust.
Don't mow things that aren't grass
Trying to mow over twigs can dull the mower blades, or even damage them if the branches are large. Hitting a stump with a push mower will most likely damage the blade and crankshaft, and hitting a stump on a riding mower can damage blades, mower deck, and spindles.
The best place to store a lawn mower is in a dry, covered area that protects it from humidity, rain, snow, and direct sunlight. Some excellent storage options include a garage, shed, basement, or even a covered pergola.
Wet grass, especially if it is tall, can be a strain on some mowers, possibly causing them to overheat. However, it depends on the mower. Powerful commercial mowers with sharp blades and good cutting decks can handle wetter lawns without trouble.
Grass blades won't cut cleanly and can rip if mowed when wet. As grass absorbs moisture from the rain, the blades will get heavy. The weight of the moisture will cause them to become more fragile and lean or bend forward. When you mow grass that's not in its normal upright position, you risk an unclean cut.
While some moisture exposure can be manageable, prolonged exposure can lead to water saturation in parts such as the deck and engine, causing various issues. This is the initial point of several problems, from rust to electrical issues. It's important to keep your electric lawn mower away from water.
Knowing you can expect your residential lawn mower to last you around 450-500 hours is helpful in the decision-making process. The closer you are to the end of the expected lifespan, the more you should consider replacing it if a large issue occurs.
If you're storing your lawn mower in an outdoor shed, gas left in the tank over the winter can gum up your mower's carburetor, potentially causing rust and definitely hindering performance.
Gas mowers can be stored outside temporarily with fewer issues. For long-term storage, drain the fuel tank or add a stabiliser to prevent engine problems. Always cover the mower with a waterproof tarp to shield it from rain and snow. Electric mowers are more sensitive to water damage.
If you have no other storage solutions and must keep your lawn mower outside, keep it protected from the elements and place a tarp or cover over it. You can buy a waterproof cover specifically for lawn mowers, and thus, will provide some protection.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Riding Lawn Mower? So, you're wondering how long you can expect your riding lawn mower to last. The lifespan of a well-maintained riding lawn mower typically falls in the range of 10 to 15 years.
If you have time cleaning your mower deck after every use will prevent build-up over the long run. However if you are cleaning your mower 2 or 3 times throughout the mowing season, you'll keep it in good shape.
When satisfied, use a low-pressure spray to rinse down your engine. A standard garden hose is fine, but you can also use a pressure washer on the lowest setting. Work from back to front, thoroughly rinsing all surfaces and removing all the degreasers. Avoid spraying electrical components as much as possible.
If you are storing the lawn mower in a detached garage or shed, leave a full tank of gas and top it off with a fuel stabilizer. Once the stabilizer is added, run the mower for a couple minutes to be sure the stabilizer gets into the system.
From our experience, the sweet spot for most riding lawn mowers is a shed that's at least 10 feet by 16 feet. This size provides ample space not only for the mower itself but also for any additional attachments and lawn care accessories you might have.
A garage is an excellent place to store lawn mowers of various sizes, including large riding mowers. It's insulated, which makes it safe for year-round storage where the mower isn't exposed to the danger of rusting or being damaged by harsh weather.