The best way to store your lawn mower is in a shed, garage, or other enclosed area. Make sure to clean your lawn mower thoroughly and that it is dry before storing to avoid corrosion or mildew. If you don’t have an enclosed area you can also use a lawn mower cover or store it on a raised platform, such as a concrete block or wood pallet, to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep into the engine.
You should also consider storing your mower away from direct sunlight if possible. If you’re really pressed for space, you can always get a vertical storage unit to hang your lawn mower up and take up less room.
Regardless of the way you choose to store it, remember to always keep regular maintenance up to ensure your lawn mower keeps working in top condition.
Can you store a lawn mower inside?
Yes, you can store a lawn mower inside. It’s a good idea to have a dedicated storage area inside your home or garage for your lawn mower, so that it is safe from the elements and out of the way. Make sure the space is large enough to fit your mower, preferably with a bit of extra room for other lawn care equipment.
Then outfit it with furnishings such as shelves, hooks and racks to maximize the use of space. If you have a tall ceiling, you can hang gardening tools, trimmers, rakes, and other equipment from the ceiling.
Lastly, cover the mower with a tarp or storage cover so that it is protected while not in use. Having your lawn mower stored inside also helps prevent theft and damage from invasive critters.
Is it safe to store lawn mower in basement?
Yes, it is generally safe to store a lawn mower in a basement. However, when storing the lawn mower in the basement, you should take a few precautions to ensure safety and the proper functioning of the lawn mower’s engine.
Firstly, you should ensure that the basement is free of flammable liquids and is dry. If possible, store the lawn mower away from any source of heat or direct sunlight, as this could cause poor performance, and could even damage the lawn mower’s engine if exposed over long periods.
Additionally, when storing the lawn mower in the basement, make sure you regularly inspect the lawn mower, checking for any signs of rust, corrosion, or water damage. In some cases, it’s prudent to raise the lawn mower off the ground to avoid any moisture that could potentially occur, and this could help lessen the chance of water-damage occurring.
Finally, you should change the oil in your lawn mower and store it with an almost-full tank of gasoline to ensure it runs smoothly when you choose to use the mower.
What should not be stored in a garage?
These items include flammable liquids and other items that could catch fire, such as fire wood, gasoline, paint, and gasoline-powered equipment. It is also not recommended to store items such as corrosive chemicals, hazardous materials, or explosives in a garage as these items could cause serious damage if exposed to large temperature fluctuations.
Additionally, any large, bulky items such as furniture should not be stored in a garage as they often take up significant space that would be more efficient to use for parking a vehicle. Finally, food should never be stored in the garage as this can attract pests and cause mold issues.
Should you run your lawn mower out of gas for winter?
No, you should not run your lawn mower out of gas for winter. Your lawn mower’s fuel system should be drained properly, and the lawn mower should be stored with fresh gas in the tank, preferably with a fuel stabilizer added.
This is done to prevent dirt and moisture from corroding the internal parts of the fuel system and causing damage or malfunction. Draining the fuel can also cause a build-up of residue on the carburetor, leading to clogs and other issues that also need to be addressed.
Additionally, running your lawn mower out of gas and refilling it can introduce air into the gas line, which must be purged out before the mower will start.
How do you keep a lawn mower outside without a shed?
Keeping a lawnmower outside without a shed is not ideal, as it exposes the machine to the elements such as rain, wind, and snow. However, there are some measures one can take to extend the life of the lawnmower.
First and foremost, it’s important to keep the lawnmower securely covered when it’s not in use. A tarp or cover made of waterproof material can help keep the lawnmower clean and dry. The cover should be securely fastened with rope, bungee cords, or straps, and should fit snugly around the lawnmower.
An uncomfortable fit creates gaps where water, dust, and debris can enter. Additionally, the cover should be placed away from walls to allow proper air circulation.
When storing the lawnmower outdoors, be sure to keep it on a flat, dry surface. If possible, it should be placed on a piece of lumber to stop moisture from seeping in and to protect it from insects, animals, and rodents.
If the lawnmower is left out in the open, avoid placing it in an area that puddles water or is susceptible to flooding.
Additionally, it’s important to drain the fuel tank before storage to prevent the build-up of condensation. Furthermore, it’s also important to clean and lubricate all the pieces of the lawnmower to prevent rust and corrosion.
Wheels should also be inspected for signs of damage and appropriate action taken if needed.
Finally, if possible, it’s best to store the lawnmower with its blades off the ground. This will not only prevent damage from the elements, but also reduce the risk of injury when the lawnmower is being moved.
Do lawn mowers need to be covered?
Yes, it is a good idea to cover your lawn mower when it is not in use. Keeping it covered will help to protect it from the elements and from dirt and debris that may get into it, reducing the need for repair or maintenance.
When you store your lawn mower, make sure it is in a cool, dry place, and that it is covered with a tarp or special lawn mower cover. If you are able to bring the lawn mower indoors for storage, that is ideal and will help to further protect it from the elements.
Can lawn mowers get wet?
Yes, lawn mowers can get wet, but it is best to avoid that when possible. Exposure to moisture can exacerbate underlying issues that may be present in the mower, such as rust and corrosion. Moisture can also lead to rusting, which can reduce the life expectancy of lawn mower parts.
Additionally, with damp mower parts, there is also an increased risk of an electric shock while mowing. If a lawn mower gets wet, it is important to dry it completely before starting the engine and putting it back in service.
Additionally, it may be necessary to investigate further to determine if the water caused any damage, and then get it repaired if necessary.
Is a lawn mower covered under homeowners insurance?
No, a lawn mower is not typically covered under homeowners insurance. Generally, homeowners insurance does not cover any type of personal property that is used for business purposes, so if the lawn mower is being used for commercial purposes, it will not be covered.
In addition, most homeowners policies do not cover items that wear out over time, such as lawn mowers, which is why they are not typically covered. However, there are some special policies that can provide coverage for certain types of property, like lawn mowers, so it is worth checking with your insurance provider to see if there are any options for you.
Can you put insurance on a lawn mower?
Yes, it is possible to put insurance on a lawn mower. Depending on the type of lawn mower you have, you may be able to purchase an insurance policy to protect your investment. Some insurance companies offer coverage of up to $3,000 for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational power gear, which can include lawn mowers.
These policies provide coverage for damages caused by non-collision fire, theft and vandalism. Depending on the policy, they can also cover mechanical breakdown and medical expenses related to an accident.
Generally, the cost of the policy will depend on the lawn mower’s value, the type of coverage you select, and the deductible amount. It’s important to read all of the fine print in order to understand the exact coverage provided and any exclusions.
If you don’t have an existing policy, contact your local insurance companies to find out more about coverage for your lawn mower.
Where should I store my lawnmower without a garage?
Storing a lawnmower without a garage can be a tricky challenge. Fortunately, there are a few options available to help you keep your lawnmower out of harm’s way. One option is to purchase an outdoor storage shed.
Storage sheds come in a variety of sizes and materials and are designed to provide a secure area for storing your products outside. You can purchase a smaller-sized shed for your lawnmower, keep it locked for security, and still have enough room for other lawn care items.
Another option is to turn your existing patio or deck into a storage area. If you have a deck with a roof, you can store your lawnmower out of sight and well-protected. Also, if you have a long patio or deck, you can build a simple cover to act as an outdoor closet to store your lawnmower.
Last, you can use a tarpaulin to cover your lawnmower and secure it with rocks or stakes to the ground so it does not blow away. Whichever option you choose, it is important to store your lawnmower somewhere that is dry, away from any direct sunlight, and turned off.
Additionally, make sure to clean and lubricate the lawnmower regularly to keep it in good working condition.
Do I need to drain the gas from my lawn mower?
Yes, it is recommended that you drain the gas from your lawn mower if it will not be used for a month or more. This is because the fuel in your lawn mower can start to break down and form an acidic sludge if it is left for too long.
This sludge can corrode the metal components of your lawn mower, such as fuel lines, fuel filters, and spark plugs, and lead to engine failure. Additionally, stale gas may separate, causing the engine to not start.
To avoid these issues, simply drain the gas from your tank and use a stabilizer if you plan on not using your lawn mower for prolonged periods of time.