It’s not whether you can keep a lawnmower outside in winter but how you can shield it from rain and snow, like putting away the patio umbrella. The best ways to store a lawn mower throughout the winter are discussed in this blog post. Everyone has an option, whether you have a shed or not.
Can you Store a Lawn Mower Outside in Winter?
The correct answer is “yes,” but there is a catch you’ll need to take some precautions to protect your lawn mower from the cold weather. The best place to store your lawnmower is a shed. But if you don’t have a shed, don’t worry – plenty of storage options will work for you. Here are some tips for storing your lawn mower outside in winter:
- Choose a spot out of the way and protected from the elements.
- Cover your lawnmower with a tarp or plastic sheeting (and a lawnmower cover.)
- Use a ratchet strap or bungee cord to secure the cover in place.
- If possible, elevate your lawn mower off the ground on a couple of blocks.
The Importance of Covering your Lawn Mower
You bundle up outdoors in the fall and winter, and your lawn mower should do the same if it’s kept in the open. After all, it’s just a machine. Wrong. Storing your lawn mower outside in winter can damage it and shorten its lifespan.
Covering your lawnmower over the winter is a must without a shed for a few reasons:
- Both frost or ice and snow can build up on the blades and engine, causing rust and other damage.
- Cold weather can make the oil thicker, damaging the engine.
- If there’s any moisture in the air, it can condense on the metal parts of the mower and cause rust.
How to Protect a Lawn Mower Without a Shed
Some additional steps for protecting a lawnmower without a shed include keeping it in a covered area, such as under a deck, and using a lawnmower cover for extra protection.
DIY Storage Solutions for Lawnmowers
You could use wooden blocks or bricks to elevate the mower off the ground to prevent moisture damage, repurpose an old dog kennel or drawers to build a shelter or a garden storage box with old wood.
1. Replace any clogged or damaged air filters.
2. Clean the exterior and mechanical components of the lawnmower.
3. Tighten any loose fasteners as needed.
4. Lubricate the lawnmower with a lubricant that protects against rust.
5. If using an electric lawnmower, ensure the batteries are fully charged before storage.
6. Allow the engine to cool before draining any remaining gas from the tank.
7. Cover engine parts with a plastic bag and securely tape them to prevent debris from getting inside during storage.
8. Put the lawnmower in a storage box or beneath a patio cover, and protect it from the elements with a homemade or commercially-available cover.
Lawnmower Maintenance Basics
- Check the owner’s manual for maintenance guidelines for your particular mower model.
- Change the oil regularly, about every 25-50 hours of use, or once a year, whichever comes first. Drain the old oil, then replace it with the recommended type and amount.
- Replace the air filter every season or after 25-50 hours. A dirty air filter can decrease engine performance.
- Check and replace the spark plug every season or after 100 hours of use. A faulty spark plug can negatively impact starting and running abilities.
- Sharpen or replace the blade at least once per mowing season or if it becomes noticeably dull during use. This will ensure a clean-cut and healthy lawn.
- Clean the underside of the mower after each use to prevent grass buildup and potential rusting.
- Store in a dry, sheltered area to protect from harsh weather conditions.
Check out this clip from the reputable This Old House on YouTube, How to keep the Lawn Mower Maintained. It’s worth your time to check out the webpage of This Old House, which has been providing professional advice on home remodeling since its debut in 1979.
This Old House. (2014, August 29). How to Maintain a Lawn Mower | This Old House. YouTube. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRv1Ne_8lIY
How to store a lawn mower outside in winter – the final verdict!
If you adhere to basic logic and the suggestions in this posting, you can leave your lawn mower outdoors throughout the winter without worrying about it becoming broken. Choose a protected spot, cover the mower, and elevate it off the ground. With some preparation, your lawn mower will be ready to go when spring rolls around!
Thanks for reading!
