You just bought a new lawn mower and want to store it outside but don’t own a shed. Or you might be using one but tired of struggling to get your lawn mower in and out of the shed every time you need to use it.
Leaving it outdoors in the open can cause it to be easily stolen. That is why some people are concerned about how to store a lawn mower outside without a shed.
People face the problem of lack of space since most of them do not have a large backyard to store. Not having any shed is a common problem, but you can store it safely outside. And if it is raining or snowing, it turns into a disaster. No problem.
Several methods are available to keep protected in great condition. The use of an outdoor storage cabinet is one method of storing the mower outdoors. You can also mulch around your mower. Keep reading, because we will discuss some amazing storage solutions without sheds in detail.
How to Store a Lawn Mower Outside Without a Shed: Ideas on Storage Solutions
Storing a lawn mower outside can be a challenge. Lawnmowers are expensive and need to be protected from the elements. If you don’t have access to a shed or other enclosed storage space, you may think your only option is to leave your mower out in the rain, snow, and wind. There are plenty of ways to store a lawn mower outside without a shed. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Mulch It Up
The first thing you should do is mulch up the area around where you plan to store your lawn mower. This will help keep moisture away from the machine and provide natural protection against animals and pests.
Ensure to spread an even layer of mulch that is at least two inches thick to cover the entire area. You can use bark chips, wood chips, or even shredded leaves as mulch.
Outdoor Cabinets
An outdoor storage cabinet can help you keep lawnmowers if you don’t have a shed. Depending on how big the cabinet will determine how many lawnmowers can be stored in it.
Choose a cabinet that is made from weather resistant materials, such as aluminum. Make sure the cabinet has ventilation holes to allow the engine to breathe. If your machine is a large one, you may want to consider a larger size cabinet.
Hang It on the Wall
You can hang your machine on the wall. Perhaps this concept might appear like a strange idea, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need is a few basic supplies and a bit of know how.
First, you’ll need to find a spot on your wall big enough to accommodate the size of the lawn mower. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, mark the points of the studs in your wall so that you know where to drill the holes for your screws.
Next, using heavy duty screws, attach them to the wall at the location of each stud. Make sure that they are level with each other so that your lawnmower will hang evenly.
Now it is time to hang the lawn mower. Start by attaching one end of a rope or chain to the machine’s handle. Then, using another screw, attach the other end.
Keep it Under a Porch
Under a porch is a good place to park a lawn mower for a number of reasons. First, it is no longer exposed to the weather, so rusting or other damages caused by exposure to the elements will not be a concern.
Being out of the way, it does not take up space and won’t block the way into the garage. Finally, it poses little threat to theft since most thieves choose easy targets that are close by.
In a Basement
Basements are typically cooler and drier than the rest of the house, making them ideal for storing items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. A dark basement can extend it to last longer by providing a 24/7 shed and preventing premature wear out.
Before storing a few precautions, the area should be clean and free of clutter. Second, consider placing the mower on a small piece of carpet or a mat to protect it from scratches.
Cover It Up
The easiest way to store your mower outdoors is with a cover. There are plenty of options available that can protect your lawn mower from weather damage and make sure it stays clean and dust free.
A good quality cover will also protect against UV rays, which can cause fading and discoloration. The cover should be large enough to fit over the entire machine and secure it tightly so it doesn’t blow away in strong winds.
Build an A Shaped Frame Shelter
Building an A frame shelter is an excellent way to keep your mower off the ground while still providing enough ventilation for it to dry after use.
Simply construct two upright posts with an angled crossbeam between them and attach some canvas tarpaulin over the top of them for shed like protection from the elements.
You may also want to include some sides made from plywood or plastic sheeting for additional protection if necessary. This type of shelter will give you easy access to your machine but also keep it safe from bad weather conditions.
Use Pallets as Floors
If you don’t have room or money for an A frame shelter, then pallets make for an inexpensive alternative flooring solution for storing your mower outdoors without shedding much cash on materials or labor costs.
Simply stack up several pallets side by side until they reach the desired height, and put your mower on top of them. This will keep it elevated off the ground so that moisture won’t be able to penetrate its surface as easily.
You may also want to place something heavy like bricks or stones around each leg of the pallet stack just in case strong winds come through during storage time, so they don’t blow away.
How to Protect Your Lawn Mower from Outdoor Elements?
You want to protect it from the elements, but without a shed space, it may seem impossible. Several solutions will help you protect your lawn mower and ensure that it stays in great condition for as many years long as possible. Here are a few examples of some of these solutions without a shed.
Use a Tarp
A good way to protect your lawnmower without any shed is by covering it with an outdoor tarp or cover specifically designed for lawnmowers. A tarp will protect the machine from dust particles and moisture while still allowing airflow around the engine and other parts. Be sure to secure the tarp with bungee cords so it won’t blow away in the wind.
Raise It Up
If you have extra space in your yard, raising your lawn mower off the ground is another great way to protect it from outdoor elements. This helps prevent rusting or corrosion due to moisture buildup on the machine’s underside.
You can do this by building a platform out of wood or concrete blocks or by using wheeled stands that are specially designed for storing lawnmowers outdoors without a shed.
Keep It Clean
Keeping your lawn mower clean is one of the best ways to ensure it lasts for many years. Clean off specks of dirt after each use, especially if you have been cutting through wet grass or mud.
This will help prevent corrosion and rusting due to moisture buildup inside the storage shed on metal surfaces like blades and engines. Regularly check all nuts and bolts, as well as oil levels. All of which can help extend its life span even further.
When and Why Do People Store Their Lawnmowers Outside?
Storing your lawnmower is an important part of maintaining a well kept garden. While some people opt to keep their mowers inside, others prefer to store them outside.
But what are the benefits of outdoor storage, and when is it best to store your mower outdoors? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of storing your lawnmower outside.
When to Store Your Lawnmower Outdoors?
The most common time for people to store their lawnmowers outdoors is during the winter months when the weather is colder and wetter. This ensures that there won’t be any moisture damage from the rain or snow seeping into the engine, and it can also help protect against rust.
This can occur when metal parts come into contact with water. Storing your lawnmower outside can often be more practical than finding room for it inside, particularly if you do not have a shed or garage.
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Benefits of Outdoor Storage Shed
Storing your mower outdoors with shed helps protect it from potential damage caused by extreme temperatures and other dusty environmental elements. As the shed drops the harsh sun radiation and high temperature.
Storage under sheds also protects against accidental spills or leaks which can occur while using the mower indoors. Keeping your mower outdoors will keep any associated smells out of your home. So no more grassy odors in the living room.
Drawbacks of Outdoor Storage
Vulnerabilities: Aside from protection by shed from extreme temperatures, one of the main drawbacks of outdoor storage is security. Leaving your mower exposed could make it vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
Depending on where you live, you may need to take extra precautions, such as covering up exposed parts with plastic covers or tarps to protect them from sun damage or corrosion due to rainwater exposure.
Lawn Mower Storage Tips
A lawn mower requires regular maintenance, and going for a perfect lawn mower storage shed for off seasons to keep it in good working order. Failing to store a lawn mower properly can cause a number of problems. By taking these simple steps, you can help extend the life of your lawn mower and keep it running smoothly.
1. Use a Fuel Stabilizer
To store your lawn mower for the winter months? Don’t forget to add a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers help to keep fuel fresh, preventing it from gumming up and clogging your engine. They also protect your mower from corrosion and rust, keeping your mower in top condition.
Simply add the stabilizer to your gas tank and run the mower for a short time to distribute the mixture throughout the engine. This is especially important if you have an older mower with a less efficient fuel system. Adding a fuel stabilizer will help ensure that your mower is ready to go when you need it.
2. Clean the Lawn Mower
One important task is to clean your lawn mower before storing it for the winter. This may sound like a tedious chore, but there are good reasons for doing it. It removes any build up of grass and mud that could clog the engine or damage the blades.
And cleaning it ensures that it will be ready to use when spring comes. A healthy lawn is essential for a beautiful garden.
3. Change the Oil
Before keeping the mower over the winter season, one important thing is changing the oil. Over time, engine grease breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the motor and cooling it down.
This can result in increased wear on a motor’s parts and eventually cause the motor to seize up. Changing the oil in advance of storage will help to prolong its life when you take it out of storage in the spring.
4. Sharpen the Blades
Lawnmowers can quickly become dull and ineffective. One way to avoid this is to sharpen the blades before storing the equipment. Dull blades will tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, which can cause brown patches and bare spots on your lawn.
Sharpening will make the mower start up easier in the spring, as the blades won’t be as likely to get bogged down in tough, overgrown grass. So take a few minutes to sharpen the lawn mower blades before putting it away for the season.
5. Disconnect the Battery and Drain the Fuel
Disconnecting the battery and removing fuel from the mower before storage is important for two reasons. They reduce fire hazards. If fuel is left in the tank, it can evaporate and create a highly combustible vapor.
This vapor can be ignited by a spark, causing a fire that could damage your lawn mower or even your home.
When a battery is connected, it can slowly discharge, creating a buildup of sulfates on the terminals. This buildup can eventually lead to corrosion, damaging the battery and making it challenging to start your lawn mower next season.
6. Check the Tires
You should inspect your lawn mower tires and ensure they are properly inflated. If tires are low on air, they are more likely to develop flat spots over the winter.
When you start using the lawn mower again in the spring, these flat spots can cause the tires to wobble and make it difficult to operate the machine. Low tire pressure can shorten the lifespan of a mower’s engine by making it work harder.
7. Cover the Exhaust
While it may seem like a small step in storing without a shed, covering the exhaust of your mower before putting it in storage can eliminate a host of problems. It helps decrease corrosion from setting in.
Then again, it prevents fuel from leaking and creating a fire hazard. Third, it helps to keep animals and insects out of the engine. It helps to protect the engine from gunk and dust.
Should I Leave My Lawn Mower Outside When It Rains?
The weather is unpredictable, and you may ask if it’s safe to leave the lawn mower out in the rain. Some machines are designed to be kept outdoors, but lawnmowers aren’t one of them. Here’s what you need to know about leaving your lawn mower out in the rain.
How Can Rain Damage My Lawn Mower?
If you leave your lawn mower outside on the ground in the rain, it can be exposed to moisture that can damage its components. This is because when metal parts get wet, they can corrode or rust.
Moisture also causes electrical wires and terminals to corrode, which can cause a short circuit or other electrical problems with your machine. If water gets inside your engine’s cylinders, pistons, valves, and other components, it can cause serious damage.
You should also be aware of how water affects gas powered engines. Any gas that is left in an engine for long periods of time will eventually break down due to condensation from humidity and temperature changes.
This means that even if you don’t leave your lawn mower outside directly, leaving a tank full of fuel outside overnight can still cause condensation and lead to engine damage over time.
Preventative Measures Before Leaving Lawn Mower In The Rain
There are several preventative measures you should take before leaving your lawn mower outside in the rain:
- Empty any excess fuel from the tank before storing it outside; this will help reduce condensation buildups which could otherwise damage your engine over time.
- Clean off any dirt from the exterior surfaces; this will help ensure that moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath, where it could cause corrosion or rusting issues down the line.
- Ensure all nuts and bolts are properly tightened so they won’t come loose during exposure; otherwise, they could start vibrating against each other when exposed to moisture and wind, which could further exacerbate any existing rusting issues or loosen up parts even more than they already were.
- Cover up any exposed parts with a waterproof tarp or plastic sheeting; this will help protect them from direct contact with water droplets as well as block them from getting wet indirectly by wind carrying mist and spray onto them from nearby sources such as puddles on sidewalks or grassy areas around your home.
- Store it indoors whenever possible. This is obviously not always possible, but if you have access to an indoor storage area (such as a garage or shed). Then make sure you take advantage of it.
Not only will this keep your machine safe from direct exposure, but it will also keep it away from any potential sources of moisture, such as standing water near windowsills or leaky roofs, etc.
How Do Motion Activated Lights Secure Lawnmowers?
The smartest way to secure lawnmowers is by making sure that burglars can’t move them without being seen. You can ensure safety by installing motion activated lights on your lawnmower before storing outside without a shed.
By placing lights around the perimeter of your garden, you can ensure that any intruder trying to move your lawnmower will be scared off.
This is especially effective at night when other lighting sources may not be available; if an intruder moves near your lawnmower, the motion activated lights will switch on and alert anyone nearby to their presence.
To Sum Up
That’s all for now regarding how to store a lawn mower outside without a shed. Follow the tips mentioned above to help ensure your lawn mowing equipment is well protected. You must take some time to think about what type of mowing machine is best for you and your needs before making a purchase.
Consider the size of your yard, the terrain, budget, and level of interest in lawn care before making a decision. We would recommend that you follow the above tips to store it properly so that it lasts for years to come. Thanks for reading.
