The last thing you want after a long, hot summer of mowing is to discover your trusty lawn mower has become a victim of neglect. Moisture, rust, and general wear and tear can quickly turn your once-pristine machine into a rusty, unusable mess. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps for storing your lawn mower properly, ensuring it’s ready to tackle your lawn next season. We’ll cover everything from basic cleaning and maintenance to choosing the right storage space and tackling seasonal storage for different mower types.
The Basics of Lawn Mower Storage
Proper lawn mower storage is all about preventing damage and ensuring your machine is ready for action when you need it. The core principles are:
- Cleanliness: Remove debris, dirt, and grass clippings to prevent rust and clogging.
- Maintenance: Perform basic maintenance like sharpening blades and checking oil levels.
- Protection: Store the mower in a dry, covered space, ideally indoors.
Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Storage
Before you put your lawn mower away for the season, there are several crucial steps to take to ensure its longevity:
1. A Thorough Cleaning is Key
- General Cleaning: Begin by removing all visible debris, grass clippings, and dirt with a brush, broom, or compressed air.
- Engine Cleaning: For gas-powered mowers, clean the engine compartment and the underside of the deck. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can force water into sensitive areas.
- Blade Cleaning: Wipe down the blades with a cloth to remove any remaining grass clippings or debris. Remember to handle blades carefully, as they can be sharp.
2. Essential Maintenance Steps
- Blade Sharpening: Sharpen or replace dull blades for optimal cutting performance and reduced stress on the engine. A dull blade can tear grass instead of cleanly cutting it.
- Oil Change (Gas-Powered Mowers): Change the engine oil according to your mower’s manufacturer recommendations. This keeps the engine running smoothly and prevents wear and tear.
- Air Filter Cleaning (Gas-Powered Mowers): Clean or replace the air filter to ensure proper airflow to the engine.
- Spark Plug Check (Gas-Powered Mowers): Inspect the spark plug for wear and tear. If necessary, replace it with a new one.
3. Fuel Considerations
- Empty the Tank (Gas-Powered Mowers): For long-term storage, it’s best to drain the gas tank completely. Old fuel can gum up the engine and cause problems when you start it up again.
- Add Fuel Stabilizer (Gas-Powered Mowers): If you can’t drain the tank, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from deteriorating.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Where you store your lawn mower is crucial for its longevity.
1. Indoor Storage: The Ideal Option
- Protection from the Elements: Storing your mower indoors protects it from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. This helps prevent rust, corrosion, and damage.
- Controlled Environment: Indoor storage allows you to control the temperature and humidity, which are crucial factors for preserving your mower’s condition.
2. Outdoor Storage: When Indoors Isn’t an Option
- Covered Space: If you must store your mower outdoors, provide it with a covered space such as a shed, garage, or carport.
- Waterproof Cover: Invest in a heavy-duty waterproof cover to protect your mower from rain, snow, and UV rays.
Seasonal Storage for Different Lawn Mower Types
- Gas-Powered Mowers:
- Winter Storage: Drain the tank, change the oil, clean and sharpen the blades, and store in a dry, cool location.
- Summer Storage: Follow the same steps as for winter storage, but you can skip draining the tank if you plan to use it again soon.
- Electric Mowers:
- Storage: Simply clean and store in a dry, cool location. No need to drain fuel or change oil as with gas-powered mowers.
- Robotic Mowers:
- Storage: Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific storage requirements. Some robotic mowers require a designated charging station.
Additional Storage Tips
- Clean and Cover Accessories: Keep your lawn mower accessories, such as bags and mulching kits, clean and store them in a dry place.
- Label Your Mower: Clearly label your lawn mower with your name and address in case it gets misplaced or stolen.
- Store Tools with the Mower: Keep essential tools, like wrenches and screwdrivers, stored with the mower for easy access during the next mowing season.
- Periodic Inspection: Even if your mower is stored properly, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically to make sure it’s still in good condition.
Conclusion
Storing your lawn mower correctly is crucial for its longevity. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your mower is ready to tackle your lawn with ease next season. Remember, a clean, well-maintained mower is a happy mower! Take the time to properly store it and enjoy a smooth and efficient mowing experience for years to come.
FAQs
What’s the best way to clean my lawnmower before storing it?
Cleaning your lawnmower before storage is crucial for preventing rust and corrosion. Start by removing any accumulated grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the deck, wheels, and undercarriage. You can use a brush, a garden hose, or a pressure washer to clean the surfaces thoroughly. It’s important to pay special attention to the blades, as they are prone to rust. Clean the blades with a wire brush, and apply a thin coat of oil to protect them.
After cleaning, allow the lawnmower to dry completely before storing. This will help prevent moisture buildup and rust formation. If you store your lawnmower outdoors, consider covering it with a tarp or a protective cover to shield it from the elements.
How often should I change the oil in my lawnmower?
The frequency of oil changes for your lawnmower depends on the model and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, it’s advisable to change the oil every 25 hours of use or at least once a year, whichever comes first. Older mowers might require more frequent oil changes.
Changing the oil regularly helps to keep your lawnmower running smoothly and prevents engine wear and tear. Use the correct type of oil specified in the owner’s manual. Over time, the oil can become contaminated with debris and lose its lubricating properties, leading to engine damage.
Do I need to drain the fuel tank before storing?
It’s highly recommended to drain the fuel tank before storing your lawnmower for an extended period. Fuel can degrade over time, leading to gum and varnish buildup in the fuel system. This can clog fuel lines and injectors, causing starting problems and engine damage.
If you’re unable to drain the fuel tank, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent fuel degradation. Fuel stabilizers help to maintain the quality of the fuel and prevent the formation of harmful deposits. It’s important to follow the instructions on the stabilizer bottle carefully.
What about the spark plugs?
Spark plugs are essential components of your lawnmower’s ignition system. They help to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinder. Over time, spark plugs can become worn or fouled with carbon deposits, reducing their effectiveness.
Before storing your lawnmower, inspect the spark plugs for signs of wear, fouling, or corrosion. If necessary, replace the spark plugs with new ones. This will ensure that your lawnmower starts easily and runs smoothly when you need it next season.
How should I store my lawnmower?
The storage location for your lawnmower can significantly impact its lifespan. Ideally, you should store your lawnmower indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help to protect it from the elements and prevent rust and corrosion.
If you need to store your lawnmower outdoors, consider investing in a heavy-duty cover to protect it from moisture, dust, and debris. Avoid storing your lawnmower on a concrete floor, as this can cause condensation to form and lead to rust.
What about the battery?
If your lawnmower has a battery, it’s important to maintain it properly before storage. Disconnect the battery terminals and store it in a cool, dry place. It’s also a good practice to charge the battery before storage to prevent it from becoming completely discharged.
A discharged battery can lose its capacity over time and may not be able to start your lawnmower the next season. If your lawnmower has a rechargeable battery, consider storing it in a warm place, as cold temperatures can affect its performance.
Do I need to do anything with the air filter?
The air filter helps to protect your lawnmower’s engine from dust and debris. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, restricting airflow and reducing engine performance.
Before storing your lawnmower, inspect the air filter for signs of dirt or debris. If it’s dirty, clean it using compressed air or replace it with a new one. This will ensure that your lawnmower runs smoothly and efficiently when you use it again.