Owning a riding lawn mower is a game-changer for anyone with a sizeable lawn. It’s a powerful tool that makes mowing a breeze, but like any piece of machinery, it needs proper care and maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly year after year. One crucial aspect of this care is storage. While storing your riding mower indoors is ideal, sometimes space is limited, leaving you to find creative solutions for outdoor storage. This article will guide you through the best practices for storing your riding lawn mower outside, keeping it safe, protected, and ready for action when you need it.
Essentially, storing a riding lawn mower outside requires a combination of proper preparation, protective measures, and a well-chosen location to minimize damage and ensure it remains in good working condition. This article will break down the key steps you need to take, from cleaning and preparing your mower to selecting the right shelter and implementing preventative measures against the elements.
Preparing Your Riding Lawn Mower for Outdoor Storage
Before you even think about storing your mower outdoors, it’s essential to take the time to prepare it properly. This ensures that it’s clean, fueled correctly, and protected from potential damage during the storage period.
Thorough Cleaning: The Foundation of Safe Storage
Start by giving your mower a thorough cleaning. Remove any grass clippings, dirt, or debris that has accumulated on the deck, engine, and chassis. Use a brush, a garden hose with a nozzle, and a mild soap solution for cleaning. Focus especially on areas around the engine, muffler, and air intake, as these can be susceptible to clogging and debris build-up. Don’t forget to clean the underside of the mower deck and the blades to remove any compacted grass.
Fuel Management: Preventing Fuel-Related Problems
The way you handle fuel plays a vital role in how well your mower performs during storage. Old fuel can gum up the engine and cause problems when you try to start it up again. Here’s what you should do:
- Empty the fuel tank: The best way to prevent fuel-related issues is to completely empty the tank. This eliminates the risk of stale fuel damaging the engine’s internal components.
- Use fuel stabilizer: If you prefer to leave a small amount of fuel in the tank, add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent the fuel from deteriorating. Fuel stabilizers create a protective barrier that prevents the fuel from breaking down and forming varnish or gum.
Changing the Oil: Ensuring a Clean Engine
Changing the oil before storing your mower is a crucial step in extending its lifespan. Used oil can become acidic over time and corrode the internal engine parts. Follow these steps for a clean oil change:
- Warm up the engine: Run the mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil, making it easier to drain.
- Position for drainage: Park the mower on a level surface and position a drain pan underneath the engine’s oil drain plug.
- Remove the drain plug: Carefully unscrew the drain plug and let the oil drain completely into the pan.
- Replace the drain plug: Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Refill with fresh oil: Add the correct amount and type of oil recommended for your mower model.
Choosing the Right Location for Outdoor Storage
Once your riding mower is prepped for storage, the next step is to find a suitable location. The ideal location should provide protection from the elements while also ensuring easy access to the mower when you need it.
Seeking Shelter from the Elements
- Covered Storage: If possible, consider investing in a covered storage solution. This could be a simple tarp, a heavy-duty cover, a shed, or a garage. A cover provides protection from rain, snow, and UV rays, which can damage the mower’s paint, rubber components, and other materials.
- Under a Canopy: If you don’t have a shed or garage, a canopy can provide some protection from the sun and rain. Choose a sturdy canopy made of durable materials and ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the mower.
- Elevated Storage: If your mower is susceptible to flooding or dampness, consider storing it on a raised platform or pallet. This will help to keep it off the ground and prevent moisture from damaging the engine and other parts.
The Importance of Ventilation
- Airflow: When storing your mower outdoors, adequate ventilation is essential. Proper airflow helps to prevent condensation from forming inside the engine, which can lead to rust and corrosion.
- Placement: Avoid storing your mower in a confined space with poor ventilation. Choose a location where air can circulate freely around the mower.
- Ventilation Options: Consider adding vents to a storage cover or shed to promote airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Adding Protective Measures for Outdoor Storage
Even with a well-chosen location, you need to take additional steps to protect your riding lawn mower from the elements and potential damage.
Protecting Against the Elements
- Waterproof Cover: A waterproof cover is essential for protecting your mower from rain, snow, and dust. Choose a cover made of heavy-duty material that is specifically designed for outdoor storage.
- Moisture Absorption: Place desiccant packs inside the mower’s engine compartment and under the deck to absorb any excess moisture that may accumulate. These packs help to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Wheel Chocks: Secure the mower’s wheels with chocks to prevent it from rolling away and potentially causing damage.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check the cover for tears or damage, and ensure the mower is dry and free of moisture.
Protecting Against Wildlife
- Deterrents: Wildlife can cause damage to your mower. Consider using deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or predator urine to keep animals away from your storage area.
- Secure Storage: If you’re storing your mower in a shed or garage, make sure it’s securely locked to prevent theft and protect it from potential damage.
Maintenance During Outdoor Storage
Even though your mower is in storage, it’s still important to perform some basic maintenance to ensure it’s ready for use when you need it.
Regular Inspections
- Visual Check: Periodically inspect the mower for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. Address any issues promptly.
- Fuel Level: If you left a small amount of fuel in the tank, check the level and add more if necessary.
Winterizing Your Mower
- Battery Removal: If you’re storing your mower for an extended period, especially during the winter months, it’s a good idea to remove the battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry place.
- Winterization Tips: For winter storage, consider draining the fuel tank, adding anti-freeze to the cooling system, and removing the spark plugs to prevent corrosion.
Additional Tips for Outdoor Storage
- Cleanliness: Keep the storage area clean and free of debris to prevent pests and rodents from nesting in or around the mower.
- Covering the Engine: If you’re using a tarp or cover, make sure it’s securely fastened to the mower and covers the entire engine compartment.
- Proper Lifting: Use a lifting device or a sturdy jack to lift the mower and make it easier to access the underside for cleaning and maintenance.
By following these steps and implementing the suggested preventive measures, you can store your riding lawn mower outdoors with confidence, ensuring it’s ready to tackle your lawn when you need it. Remember, proper maintenance and storage practices play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of your mower and keeping it in optimal working condition.
FAQs
Q1: How do I store my riding lawn mower outside if I have limited space?
You can store your riding mower outside even if you have limited space by using a tarp or a cover. Cover the entire mower with the tarp or cover, securing it tightly with straps or bungee cords. Make sure to choose a tarp or cover that is large enough to completely cover the mower and protect it from the elements. Additionally, you can try to find a space where the mower can be tilted slightly on its side to prevent water from accumulating in the engine.
Q2: What type of cover should I use for my riding lawn mower?
Choose a cover that is specifically designed for riding lawn mowers, as these covers are typically made of waterproof and breathable materials that can protect your mower from rain, snow, sun, and dust. Ensure that the cover is large enough to completely cover the mower and secure it with straps or bungee cords. You can also consider using a cover with ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Q3: Is it important to drain the gas tank before storing my riding lawn mower outside?
Yes, it is crucial to drain the gas tank before storing your riding lawn mower outside. Gasoline can degrade over time, causing problems with your mower’s engine. If you choose not to drain the gas tank, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to prevent it from breaking down.
Q4: Should I remove the battery from my riding lawn mower when storing it outside?
Removing the battery from your riding lawn mower is the best way to prevent damage from the elements and potential leaks. If you choose not to remove the battery, ensure it is fully charged before storing it outside.
Q5: How often should I check my riding lawn mower when it’s stored outside?
Check your riding lawn mower every few months, particularly after heavy rain or snow. Inspect the cover for any damage or tears and ensure that it is still securely fastened. Also, check the tires for any signs of deflation and the engine for any moisture buildup.
Q6: What other steps can I take to protect my riding lawn mower from the elements?
In addition to using a cover, you can take extra steps to protect your riding lawn mower, such as elevating it off the ground using blocks or bricks to prevent moisture buildup and ensure proper ventilation. Also, make sure to remove any debris, leaves, or grass clippings from the mower before storing it outside.
Q7: What should I do if I see signs of rust on my riding lawn mower?
If you see signs of rust on your riding lawn mower, use a rust remover to eliminate the rust and prevent it from spreading. You can then apply a protective coating, such as a rust-inhibitive paint or lubricant, to help prevent further rusting.