You can’t deny it any longer: the days are shorter, the weather is chillier, and as much as you may not want to admit it, winter is here. If you live in a warm climate, consider yourself lucky that you need to mow your lawn year-round. For the rest of the country, the time has come to consider storing your lawn mower for winter. We’re here to answer all your questions about how to prepare your lawn mower for storage, so it will be ready to keep your lawn mean and green once the weather warms up again.
How do I winterize my lawn mower?
If you’re wondering how to prepare a lawn mower for winter storage, you’re not alone. Questions about winterizing mowers and other equipment are common, and very important. Here are the best long-term lawn mower storage tips:
- Check your air filter for any clogs or damage, replacing the filter if necessary.
- Thoroughly clean your mower by removing all debris from the exterior and near the mechanical parts.
- Tighten fasteners as needed.
- Lubricate your mower as recommended in the owner’s manual.
- For electric-powered mowers, remove the battery and fully charge it before you store it.
- For gas-powered mowers, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank and circulate it through the system by running the engine for 5–10 minutes. Let the engine cool, then empty the fuel tank.
- Should you run the gas out of your lawn mower? The answer is yes. Once you’ve emptied the fuel tank, turn the mower back on until it stops running, and repeat until it no longer starts.
- For two-cycle engines, pull the starter rope until there’s some resistance, then slowly release. This helps prevent air from corroding the cylinder, by closing the intake and exhaust ports.
- For four-cycle engines, remove the spark plug and add a tablespoon of oil into the hole. Distribute the oil by rotating the engine several times using the starter role or key starter. Put the spark plug back in, but do not connect the wire.
What is the best place to store a lawn mower?
Storing a lawn mower indoors is always the best option, for example in your garage, or, if you don’t have a garage, in a storage unit. This will ensure your mower stays completely dry and won’t be exposed to wind and freezing temps. You can also store it in a backyard shed or in your basement, provided it is elevated off the floor. The one thing to keep in mind is that the answer to where to store your lawn mower is always somewhere dry and away from the elements.
Can I store my lawn mower outside in the winter?
You can store your mower outside in winter, but it isn’t ideal. If you must store your lawn mower long-term in your yard, make sure it is elevated, so that it doesn’t sit directly on the ground. This will allow air to circulate in order to keep it more dry. Cover it tightly with a heavy-duty tarp, and check it periodically to make sure there are no holes or damage to the tarp. If you really want to protect your mower, you can learn how to build a lawn mower storage box with just a few basic tools. It’s a great outdoor lawn mower storage idea, and will give you peace of mind over the long winter months.
Can I store my lawn mower vertically?
Good news: a winterized lawn mower can be stored upright, because it won’t have any fluids in it. The same goes for electric lawn mowers, which is one of the reasons they are becoming more and more popular. There are even gas-powered mowers that have special features to prevent the petrol from leaking in an upright position. You can find tons of DIY lawn mower storage ideas for hanging your lawn mower on a garage or shed wall. However, if you have a traditional gas-powered mower and haven’t drained the gas and oil, it’s not a good idea to store it vertically.
Follow our lawn mower storage ideas to ensure your equipment stays in top shape over the winter. You’ll be able to easily start your lawn mower after storage and get your grass looking great before your neighbors. That’s a win for you and your mower!
