Are you looking for a straightforward and reliable way of storing your lawn mower? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some essential tips to help you store your lawn mower properly.
Keeping your lawn mower in good condition isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s essential for preserving the life of your machine and ensuring that it works efficiently. With proper storage, you can extend the life and performance of your lawn mower and maximize its lifespan.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some easy tips to help you store a lawnmower correctly so you can get maximum use. So, read on to learn how to store a lawn mower so it stays in great shape!
What Will You Need?
Before you start, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- A tarp or cover made of canvas or plastic
- An appropriate location with good ventilation
- Cleaning materials such as a broom and dustpan
- Grease, lubricants, and other maintenance supplies.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to start storing your lawn mower.
10 Easy Steps on How to Store a Lawn Mower
Step 1. Clean the Lawn Mower:
Begin by cleaning your lawn mower thoroughly. Use the broom and dustpan to sweep off grass clippings, dirt, or debris from the mower. Be sure to clean the underside, as this area can often harbor compacted grass that can cause rusting and mechanical issues. Wipe it down to ensure it’s as clean as possible before storage.
Step 2. Drain the Fuel:
After cleaning, it’s time to get rid of any remaining gasoline. Gasoline left in the tank can degrade over time, causing harm to your machine’s engine. To do this, run your lawn mower until the tank is empty. If you can’t run the engine, you can manually remove the fuel using a hand pump. Remember to handle and dispose of the gasoline responsibly, following local regulations.
Step 3. Change the Oil:
Much like an automobile, your lawn mower needs an oil change to run smoothly. Old, dirty oil can cause damage to your engine, reducing its efficiency and life span. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on changing the oil in your model. Generally, you’ll need a drain pan to collect the old oil and new oil to replace it. Once the old oil is drained, replace it with new oil up to the recommended level. Remember to dispose of the old oil safely according to local regulations.
Step 4. Remove and Sharpen the Blade:
After changing the oil, the next step is to remove and sharpen the blade. The blade of your lawnmower should be sharp for optimal performance. Over time, blades can become blunt from use, affecting the quality of your lawn cut. To remove the blade, ensure the lawnmower is turned off and stable, then use a wrench to unscrew the bolt holding it in place. Once removed, you can sharpen the blade using a file or take it to a professional for sharpening. After sharpening, reattach the blade securely.
Step 5. Clean or Replace the Air Filter:
A clean air filter is key to maintaining the performance of your lawnmower. The air filter helps to keep dirt, dust, and debris out of your mower’s engine. If the air filter is clogged, it can affect your lawnmower’s performance and fuel efficiency. If your lawnmower has a paper air filter, replace it with a new one. If it has a foam air filter, wash it in warm water and mild detergent, let it air dry, then apply a small amount of oil before reinserting.
Step 6. Lubricate Moving Parts:
Lubrication is crucial to the smooth operation of your lawnmower. Properly lubricating the moving parts reduces friction and wear, prolonging the life of your machine. Use a high-quality lubricant to lubricate areas such as the throttle and choke controls, the engine linkage, and the wheel bearings. Be sure to wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent attracting dust and dirt.
Step 7. Replace the Spark Plug:
The spark plug is a small but essential part of your lawn mower. A worn or damaged spark plug can make your mower difficult to start and reduce its performance. Remove the lead to replace the spark plug, then use a socket wrench to remove the old spark plug. Install the new spark plug, but be careful not to overtighten it, as this could damage the engine.
Step 8. Add Fuel Stabilizer:
If you plan to store your lawn mower with fuel in it, adding a fuel stabilizer can help maintain the fuel’s quality and prevent damage to the engine. Pour the recommended amount of stabilizer into the fuel tank, then run the engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate. If you are storing your mower without fuel, skip this step.
Step 9. Cover the Mower:
Once you’ve completed all the maintenance tasks, it’s time to cover your lawn mower. A cover will protect your mower from dust and moisture, which can cause rust and corrosion. The cover should be breathable, like canvas, to prevent condensation.
Step 10. Store in a Dry, Secure Location:
Finally, store your lawnmower in a dry, secure location away from the elements. The storage area should be well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to rust. It should also be secure to prevent theft. If you’re storing other equipment or chemicals in the same area, ensure they’re well away from your lawn mower to prevent damage.
Following these ten steps, you can ensure your lawn mower is stored properly and ready to use when the grass starts growing again. Proper storage and maintenance can greatly extend the life of your lawn mower, saving you money in the long run.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to dry off the lawn mower before storing it. This will prevent rust from forming on the blades and also keep away mold and mildew, which can damage the machine.
- Store your lawn mower in a shed or garage where temperature fluctuations are minimal. Doing so helps keep parts from expanding and shrinking due to drastic temperature changes.
- Empty the gas tank of your lawn mower before storing it away for too long. This will prevent corrosion from occurring in the tank and damaging its components.
- Clean off any debris or dirt accumulated on the machine since you last used it, as this could cause issues when you need to use it again.
- Finally, check your lawn mower’s oil and air filters before storing it away. This will ensure the machine is in its best condition when you need to use it again. Doing so regularly can also help extend its lifespan.
With these tips and tricks, you can store a lawn mower properly and in its best condition. This will not only help retain its performance but also extend the machine’s life.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Leaving the Lawn Mower Outdoors: Exposure to the elements can damage the mower’s components and lead to rusting. Always ensure it’s stored in a dry, sheltered location.
- Do Not Store a Lawn Mower with Fuel in the Tank: If you’re storing the mower for a long period, drain the fuel to prevent corrosion and potential fire hazards.
- Avoid Neglecting End-of-season Maintenance: Cleaning, oiling, and servicing the mower before storage. Skipping this step can lead to problems when you next use it.
- Do Not Store a Lawn Mower on its Side: This can cause oil or fuel to leak into the carburetor or air filter, leading to damage.
- Avoid Storing the Lawn Mower without Checking its Condition First: Always assess the mower for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or potential issues before storing it. If necessary, repair or replace parts to maintain its functionality.
With these tips, you can ensure that your lawn mower is stored in the best condition possible. Doing so will help keep it functioning optimally for longer and reduce the risk of any damage or injury due to improper storage.
Conclusion
Storing a lawn mower can be difficult, but it’s certainly possible. Investing in a shed or renting a storage unit are good long-term solutions. That said, garage shelving might be a good option if you simply need to store your mower only in the short term. The most important thing is to ensure that your lawn mower is stored in an area where airflow is sufficient and there is no danger of exposure to moisture or other environmental elements that may cause damage.
You must also keep the area dry and clean and cover the machine up so as not to expose it to dust and debris in the air. All this will help ensure that your lawn mower lasts for seasons ahead!
Hopefully, the article on how to store a lawn mower has given you the information you need to properly and safely store your lawn mower. Keeping your machine in top condition will ensure that it performs optimally throughout its lifespan and save you time, money, and headaches from having to repair or replace parts due to improper storage.
