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Storage is always an issue. Along with your mower, you have a weed eater, leaf blower, seed spreader and a host of other things in your garage. And there’s no room for your car.
You may not have a garage, but you have a yard. And that yard needs to be mowed.
Either way, you have a lawn mower that needs to be stored outside. If you have an electric lawn mower there are more things to consider.
Proper storage is crucial for ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of your electric lawn mower. When stored improperly, your lawn mower can be damaged by the elements or even become a breeding ground for pests.
In this blog post, we will discuss 5 tips for storing your electric lawn mower outside. By following these tips, you can keep your lawn mower in top shape and ready to use when needed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not store lawn mower batteries outside during the winter. Cold weather will cause the battery to breakdown. Store batteries inside during the winter months.
Tip #1: Clean and Dry Your Lawn Mower Before Storing
Before you store your electric lawn mower, it’s important to give it a good cleaning and drying. This will help prevent rust and other types of damage that can occur when debris and moisture are left on the lawn mower.
Cleaning and drying your lawn mower before storage can also help prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to both the lawn mower and the user.
To properly clean and dry your electric lawn mower, follow these steps:
- Remove any excess grass clippings or debris from the lawn mower. This can be done by using a broom, hand brush, or a hose to gently remove the debris.
- Wipe down the exterior of the lawn mower with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Use a scraper to remove built up grass clippings and debris from under the mowing deck. Be careful not to damage the paint. It is best to use a plastic scraper or piece of wood to scrape under the mower.
- Rinse the lawn mower thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry the lawn mower completely with a clean, dry cloth or towel. Be sure to dry all areas, including the underside of the deck and the wheels.
- Once the lawn mower is completely dry, it is ready to be stored.
Tip #2: Store Your Lawn Mower in a Dry, Protected Area
Storing your electric lawn mower in a dry, protected area is crucial for preventing damage from the elements. Exposure to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can cause rust and other types of damage to the lawn mower.
Some suitable storage locations for your electric lawn mower include a shed or covered patio. These locations provide shelter from the elements and also keep the lawn mower out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading or discoloration.
If you don’t have access to a shed or covered patio, you can also consider purchasing a lawn mower storage cover or using a tarp to protect your lawn mower from the elements.
It’s important to choose a storage location that is large enough to accommodate the lawn mower and has enough space for proper ventilation. Proper ventilation is especially important if you plan to store your lawn mower for an extended period of time.
In summary, choose a storage location that is dry, protected from the elements, and has proper ventilation to keep your electric lawn mower in top shape.
Tip #3: Use a Lawn Mower Cover or Tarp for Additional Protection
In addition to storing your electric lawn mower in a dry, protected area, using a cover or tarp can provide an extra layer of protection from the elements. A lawn mower cover or tarp can help prevent rust and other types of damage that can occur when the lawn mower is exposed to rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.
There are a few different options for purchasing or making a suitable cover or tarp for your electric lawn mower. Some popular options include:
- Purchase a pre-made lawn mower cover. Many outdoor equipment stores and online retailers sell covers specifically designed for lawn mowers. These covers are usually made of durable materials such as polyester or canvas and are designed to fit snugly over the lawn mower to provide maximum protection.
- Make your own lawn mower cover. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own cover using a durable fabric such as canvas or polyester. You’ll need to measure your lawn mower to determine the correct size and shape of the cover.
- Use a tarp. If you don’t have a lawn mower cover or don’t want to purchase one, you can use a tarp to protect your lawn mower from the elements. Make sure to choose a tarp that is large enough to cover the entire lawn mower and has enough weight to stay in place during windy conditions.
In summary, using a lawn mower cover or tarp can provide additional protection for your electric lawn mower and help prevent damage from the elements.
Tip #4: Keep Your Lawn Mower Off the Ground
Storing your electric lawn mower on the ground can potentially cause damage in a few different ways. First, the ground can be uneven, which can cause the lawn mower to become unstable and potentially tip over. Second, storing a lawn mower on the ground can expose it to moisture, which can lead to rust and other types of damage.
In the winter, the freeze/thaw cycles could cause the mower to sink into the ground.
To prevent these types of damage, it’s a good idea to keep your lawn mower off the ground when storing it. There are a few different options for doing this:
- Use a lawn mower lift. A lawn mower lift is a device that is specifically designed to lift your lawn mower off the ground and hold it in place. This can help prevent the lawn mower from tipping over and also keep it off the ground, reducing the risk of moisture damage.
- Use a platform. Another option is to create a platform for your lawn mower to rest on. This can be as simple as a couple of wooden pallets or a more elaborate structure such as a custom-built platform. Just be sure that the platform is sturdy enough to support the weight of the lawn mower and is raised off the ground to prevent moisture damage.
In summary, keeping your electric lawn mower off the ground when storing it can help prevent damage from instability and moisture. Using a lawn mower lift or platform can be an effective way to achieve this.
Tip #5: Consider Using a Lawn Mower Storage Bag
If you want an easy and convenient way to store your electric lawn mower, consider using a storage bag. Storage bags are designed specifically to fit your lawn mower and provide an added layer of protection from the elements.
There are a few benefits to using a storage bag for your electric lawn mower:
- Ease of use: Storage bags are designed to be easy to use, with features such as handles or straps that make it easy to carry your lawn mower in and out of storage.
- Added protection: Most storage bags are made of durable materials such as polyester or canvas, which can help protect your lawn mower. Some storage bags also have additional features such as vents or moisture barriers to provide even more protection.
- Compact storage: Storage bags can be a great option for those who don’t have a lot of storage space. They are generally compact and can be easily tucked away in a shed or garage.
When purchasing a storage bag for your electric lawn mower, be sure to choose a bag that is the correct size and shape for your lawn mower. You’ll also want to consider the material and any additional features that may be important to you, such as moisture barriers or vents.
In summary, using a storage bag can be an easy and convenient way to store your electric lawn mower and provide added protection from the elements.
Conclusion
Proper storage is crucial for ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of your electric lawn mower. In this blog post, we’ve discussed 5 tips for storing your electric lawn mower outside:
- Clean and dry your lawn mower before storing it.
- Store your lawn mower in a dry, protected area, such as a shed or garage.
- Use a lawn mower cover or tarp for additional protection.
- Keep your lawn mower off the ground to prevent damage from instability and moisture.
- Consider using a storage bag for easy and convenient storage.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your electric lawn mower stays in top shape and is ready to use when needed. Don’t let the elements or improper storage damage your investment – take the time to properly store your electric lawn mower to get the most out of it.