We’ve compiled a list of the best lawn mower storage ideas. This article will provide you will the top storage methods.
It’s your faithful companion. It aids in beautifying your lawn. Use it right and it will transform your outdoor space into an eye-seducing oasis. Without this trusty tool, your lawn will look like a scene straight out of Children of the Corn.
Making sure your lawn mower runs for a long time is important. Yet, some people treat it like yesterday’s news.
When the end of the mowing season arrives or the harsh winter sets its eyes on your land, finding a place to store your trusty sidekick should be priority number one.
If you don’t store it properly, there won’t be a happy reunion the next time you start it. The saying is true – “they don’t make them like they used to.” Despite how advanced some lawn mowers are today, making sure its stored properly will help them live longer. Especially if it’s an older model.
Leaving it outside is not a solid option. Placing it in certain storage areas, like your garage, doesn’t mean it’ll be safe.
We’ll offer some lawn mower storage ideas so your prized item can see the light of day after its hibernation. We’ll not only share where to store it but how to store your lawnmower too.
The Best Place To Store Your Lawn Mower
The air is colder. Leaves are falling. Your grass is dormant. Another pumpkin spice commercial. Looks like it’s time to store a lawnmower. Right now, you either own one or you’re thinking of buying one. Either way, you’re not sure where to put it.
Awkward-sized spaces, disheveled garages, and messy basements can make this simple task an annoying head-scratcher. For those without the luxury of extra storage space, like a shed or a garage, this becomes more bothersome.
While the “ignorance is bliss” crowd might just store theirs anywhere, they’re in for a rude awakening. We offer some suggestions and ideas for safeguarding your lawnmower.
Our recommendations are perfect for the budget-conscious homeowner, the elbow greasers, and the people who might not have the extra space to store their lawnmowers.
Here are some lawn mower storage ideas:
Store It in Your Garage
Hello, I’m Mr. obvious! We’re not trying to insult your intelligence with this obvious suggestion. But your garage is an ideal spot to store your lawnmower.
A friendly warning though!
It’s important to know how to store it. Ensuring you store it properly is important, especially if there’s lots of clutter, pests, bugs, water damage, or even a frog infestation. We’ll go into more detail later on how to make sure your lawnmower is safe and well maintained in your garage.
Cover it Using a Tent
If you don’t have a garage, basement, or shed, consider using a tent. Stationing your lawn mower inside a heavy-duty tent is a welcome option, especially for sheltering it against the rain.
DO NOT do this if you live in colder climates. This should be a short-term solution. Components and fluids inside your rickety machine can freeze up causing internal damage. Only place your lawnmower in a tent when the weather permits like during spring and summer. Using a tent when it’s cold is asking for trouble.
Carry It Down Your Basement
They say, “life is not always black and white, it’s a million shades of grey.” Our advice for storing your lawnmower in a basement is kind of like that.
Meaning, while we do suggest it, it should be a last resort. First, if your upper and lower body are up for it, go ahead and bring it down there.
Just beware! Storing your gas-powered lawnmower can release toxic fumes that can be highly dangerous. It can also leak hazardous and flammable fluid which is enough to flood your basement floor to recreate a “Die Hard” scene.
If storing it in your basement is your only option, make sure to empty its gas tank and never store gas in an enclosed space. Check on it often, make sure to ventilate, don’t leave near a furnace, and don’t turn it on when inside. Also, consider placing it on a shelf or table, if possible, and covering it.
You shouldn’t store gas in a basement. Keep it away from anything that can ignite it. The same with your lawnmower. A basement should be a temporary solution for storing your lawnmower.
On the flip side, battery-powered lawn mowers are fine to keep in your basement. Just make sure to remove the battery and avoid enclosure. Electric lawn mowers should also be kept away from anything wet.
Leaving It Outside
Can you leave your lawnmower outside? Yes. These gritty machines are designed for the outdoors. While a little rain won’t break it apart, over time mother nature can be mean to it. Consider one of our indoor lawn mower storage ideas if the weather is a concern.
If you just set it to the side without covering or maintaining it, the metal can start rusting, and parts of your lawn mower can start decaying. Consider using a tarp or waterproof cover. There are covers designed just for lawnmowers. Make sure you’re always checking on it and avoid leaving it out when it’s too cold. Much like storing a boat, a lawnmower is at the mercy of the elements if left uncovered in harsh weather.
If you have an electric lawnmower, make sure to keep it away from water. You don’t need a science class to know electricity and water shouldn’t mix. For battery-powered lawn mowers, remove and store away the battery while covering the mower.
The Best Option: Store It in Your Shed
If you have the budget for it, consider buying a shed. In some stores, you can buy one for less than $200. Better quality ones can average between $400 and $900, or more. Most push lawn mowers measure around 31 x 18 x 14 inches or 48 x 17 inches, while large riding mowers can average 84 X 59 X 34 or larger.
Consider these dimensions if you plan to buy a shed. Ultimately, these are great for push mower storage and other types of mowers. If you’re handy and into DIY projects, building a storage shed will be a lot cheaper. Storage sheds designed for lawn mowers is a perfect resting place.
An even cheaper option is a stow-away shed. It doesn’t take up too much space either. These 80 feet cubic boxes come with a door and are easy to store away any outdoor tools. This is a perfect storage option for smaller lawnmowers and isn’t an eyesore.
Riding Lawn Mower Storage Ideas
Since riding lawn mowers are a lot bigger and wider, these bad boys are going to need more space. If you own one, it can be assumed you have larger storage space for them.
Placing them inside a garage or shed are two ideal spots for a riding lawnmower. If you have to keep it outside, make sure to remove the battery and cover it when not in use.
How To Store Your Lawn Mower
How you store a lawnmower is just as important as where you keep it. Whether you’re getting it ready for its deep sleep, deciding where to stick it around your clutter, and making sure it survives the winter, we’ll share some proper storing practices.
Can You Store It Sideways?
There is a community of basement dwellers, keyboard experts, and long-established professionals that have debated this question.
The short answer is, not really. Some gas-powered lawnmowers can leak fluid when turned vertically. While it might be tempting to find a hiding spot for your lawnmower in a tilted space. This isn’t recommended.
Some lawnmowers have been designed to be stored sideways like the Snapper XD or the very popular EGO mowers. These can be turned sideways but avoid doing so with gas and petrol run mowers.
Hang It Up
If you have strong hooks, hang your lawnmower on them. We only recommend you do this with push mowers though.
Don’t hang it sideways or too high though. You’d be putting it at risk to leak and cause major issues. Make sure the front wheels face you when hanging. Alternatively, you can place it on an elevated platform. All lawn mowers should have enough breathing room underneath them.
Lawn Mower Garage Storage and Winter Prep
After a long winter, some property owners might find themselves with an unusable lawn mower come springtime. The culprit? More than likely bad storage practices. If you don’t store your mower properly, it might not work at the start of the mowing season.
We’re sharing a must-follow process for storing away your lawnmower when it’s not going to be used for a while. This helps keep it maintained during the winter. Whether you’re keeping it in a shed or your garage, here’s what you should do:
- Empty the gas tank
- Keep the surface around and underneath the lawn mower clear of debris
- Remove the battery from any battery-powered mowers
- Disconnect spark plugs on four cycle engines to prevent automatic startup
- Remove the blades from your lawn mower
- Maintain your blades to ensure they remain sharp and avoid becoming dull
- Lubricate your mower with fogging oil to prevent internal damage
- Replace air filter if necessary
- Pull on starter rope and release to prevent air from damaging the equipment’s cylinder engines.
Outdoor Lawn Mower Storage Ideas
Like we mentioned before, consider placing your lawn mower inside of a tent. Make sure the tent is clean and free of debris underneath your mower. If a tent is not an option, cover your equipment with specially designed lawn mower covers or tarp.
Make sure your cover is waterproof or place it in a position that allows rain to roll away from your mower.
Another outdoor option is a stowaway shed that is a lot smaller than overly sized storage shed. Complete with easy-to-open doors, these cubic sheds are ideal for any property of any size. They can be placed just about anywhere and are not too noticeable.