Here are a few tips for storing your lawn mower:
- Store your lawn mower in a dry place.
- Keep the gas tank full.
- Keep the oil drain plug tightened and ensure it’s clean and dry before storage.
- Sharpen, clean, and inspect all moving parts prior to storage; replace any worn or broken parts before you put away your mower for the winter months (or even if you’re storing it for just a week or two).
- It's a good idea to remove your lawn mower battery for the winter and store it in a cool, dry place. ...
- Brush or hose off leaves, grass and mud from your mower. ...
- Store your mower in a dry, protected place such as your garage or a garden shed.
Where should I store my riding lawn mower?
Store your mower in a dry, protected place such as your garage or a garden shed. Never store it next to a furnace, water heater or appliance with a pilot light. View solutions for handling the most common engine and product troubleshooting and maintenance questions.
How do I store my lawn mower battery for the winter?
It's a good idea to remove your lawn mower battery for the winter and store it in a cool, dry place. Be sure to store it away from gas cans, the water heater or furnace.
How do you store fuel stabilizer for lawn mowers?
Use Fuel Stabilizer Correctly. You shouldn't store your lawn equipment with a partially full fuel tank. Either run the equipment out of fuel, or use fuel stabilizer in a full tank of fuel. Add the stabilizer (also called fuel preserver) according to package directions.
Can you store a lawn mower in a storage shed?
A storage shed is an excellent way to keep your lawn mower out of the elements and out of your much-needed garage or basement space. Storage sheds come in many styles and sizes and can suit many different needs and budgets. With a well-built storage shed, you won’t have to worry about security, as your items will be safely locked away inside.
Is it safe to store gas lawn mower in garage?
When home garages turn into storage units, lawn mowers become tripping hazards. Pinholes in the fuel tank can fill the air with unhealthy fumes. A small break in the fuel line can spill combustible liquid on the garage floor. It's hard to keep your space safe when you store lawn equipment in the garage.
Where should I store my lawn mower if I don't have a garage?
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.
Is it OK to leave gas in mower over winter?
If you keep your mower in the basement during the winter, you should remove the fuel regardless of how much is left because storing it inside could be a fire hazard. If there's only a little fuel left after the last mow of the season, your best bet is to run the tank dry.
Can you store a lawn mower in the house?
However, you need to be extremely careful when storing your lawn mower inside your home. Storing your lawn mower in your basement with a full gas tank can lead to dangerous or even deadly fumes released into your home. You should ensure you empty the gas tank and run the mower outside before storing.
Can I store my lawnmower in my basement?
Never store gas-powered equipment in your basement. While you might want to keep your gas-powered lawn mower or leaf blower in a covered space like your basement to protect it against the elements, doing so could cause serious harm.
Can I leave my lawn mower outside in the rain?
Yes, you can leave your lawnmower outside for a couple of days considering the weather is not cold or wet. Even if it catches rain or snow for two or three days, the mower can be fixed. However, if you are planning to leave the mower out indefinitely, it wouldn't be the best idea.
Should you store lawn mower with full tank of gas?
Storing your mower with a full tank of fuel prevents moisture from condensing in the tank which can form rust that could break away and clog the carburetor.
Is it better to drain gas or use stabilizer?
There's a much easier way to properly store your lawn equipment. To avoid damage, simply use a quality fuel stabilizerOpens a new window and fresh fuel before putting equipment away for the season.
Can I use 6 month old gas in my mower?
Pure gasoline can stay ok in the tank for as long as 6 months. Gasoline with ethanol goes bad earlier because of ethanol's oxidizing tendency. Ethanol blended gasoline can last in the tank for up to 3 months. Stabilizers can be added to gasoline to extend its shelf life.
Is it safe to store gas in basement?
Do not store gasoline in the basement of your home or in the utility room. The furnace, water heater, clothes dryer or any of several other items could ignite fumes which may leak from the can and travel considerable distances.
What should you not do with a lawn mower?
The 10 Most Common Mistakes People Make In Lawn Mower Maintenance1) Not checking the air filter. ... 2) Not cleaning the mower deck. ... 3) Not keeping your blades sharp. ... 4) Not checking tire pressure. ... 5) Not storing the lawn mower properly. ... 6) Not using quality fuel. ... 7) Not running the engine to the proper RPMs.More items...•
Where to store tools when you don't have a garage?
Labeled shoe boxes or sturdy gift boxes are perfect for miscellaneous tools and hardware. Clear plastic boxes or stackable utility bins are also great solutions. And a basic pegboard with hooks for hanging tools is a good way to use vertical wall space. It also makes it easy to see everything.
What can I store a lawnmower in?
The #1 Option is Either a Garage or a Garden ShedProtects Your Mower From Harsh Weather Conditions – Firstly, either of these options will keep your mower nice and dry year-round. ... Keeps Your Lawn Mower Secure – Both a garage or a shed represents a secure option for storing your lawn mower.More items...
What should I store my lawn mower in?
The best place for lawn mower storage is somewhere dry and protected from the elements, such as a garage or shed. If you have no other choice but to store it outside, keep it elevated above the ground and covered with a durable tarp.
How do you store a lawn mower in a shed for the winter?
How to store your lawnmower in your outdoor shed for the winterDrain your gas tank. ... Safety first! ... Remove your lawnmower's blade. ... Drain the oil. ... Clean your toys! ... Refill the oil tank. ... Change the air filter. ... Replace the spark plug.More items...
While Draining The Fuel Tank May Sound Like A Good Idea, It Could Harm Your engine.
Running a lawn mower dry will make it harder for it to fire right up when it comes time to take it out of storage. This is true of all your outdoor...
Draining The Tank Harms Your Lawn Mowers Carburetor
Draining the tank harms the “heart” of your equipment. Think of one of the most important organs in your body: your heart. The lawn mower carbureto...
What to Do Instead: Avoid Risks With Gas Stabilizer.
Manufacturers sometimes recommend draining the tank to winterize a lawn mower because the worst thing you can do is leave old fuel in an engine dur...
Here’S How to Winterize A Lawn Mower correctly
Step 1: One month before the end of the season, start putting fuel stabilizer in every gas can.This is an easy way to provide some basic protection...
Remove the Battery
It's a good idea to remove your lawn mower battery for the winter and store it in a cool, dry place. Be sure to store it away from gas cans, the water heater or furnace. Disconnect the battery cable from the battery, starting with the negative cable (it will have a minus sign). Remove the battery and wipe it off with a cloth.
Clean your Mower
Brush or hose off leaves, grass and mud from your mower. Always remove the spark plug lead wire from the plug before doing this or any other mower maintenance, and tape or tie it out of the way. Gently tip your walk behind mower on its side to spray the underbody.
Add Stabilized Fuel
Gas begins to degrade in as little as 30 days which can lead to your engine's fuel system clogging and your equipment not starting the following growing season.
Store your Mower in a Dry Place
Store your mower in a dry, protected place such as your garage or a garden shed. Never store it next to a furnace, water heater or appliance with a pilot light.
What happens when gas tank is empty?
Where there is air, there is water (damage). Allowing your gas tank to sit empty for long periods leaves a huge area for water vapor to condense. When moisture collects, it can trigger corrosion in the tank, fuel lines, carburetor and cylinders, and can even cause catastrophic engine failure if a big “gulp” is taken into the engine all at once. ...
Why does my lawn mower have gum?
It’s impossible to get every last drop of gasoline out. When oxygen attacks the small fuel droplets left behind, it causes gum and varnish. If this debris settles in the wrong place, such as a needle valve tip, the carburetor will need cleaning to work properly.
How to keep fuel from spilling in warmer weather?
Step 3: Run the engine for a couple of minutes. This gets the stabilized fuel into the carburetor and fuel lines. That’s it!
How to stabilize fuel?
Step 1: Buy and stabilize fresh fuel for maximum protection. Adding fuel stabilizer to old fuel will stop it from degrading further, but the fuel may already have broken down. Step 2: Fill your tank 95% full with fresh, stabilized fuel. Leaving a little room prevents the fuel from expanding and spilling in warmer weather, ...
What happens if you don't have all three elements?
If you don’t have all three, your engine will not run: Clean air will always be available if you take time to clean or replace your air filter.
Can you drain a lawn mower tank to winterize?
Manufacturers sometimes recommend draining the tank to winterize a lawn mower because the worst thing you can do is leave old fuel in an engine during long periods of storage. You may have followed this advice in the past without noticeable issues, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.
Does draining a lawn mower harm the carburetor?
Draining the tank harms your lawn mowers carburetor. Draining the tank harms the “heart” of your equipment. Think of one of the most important organs in your body: your heart. The lawn mower carburetor is, in many ways, your engine’s “heart.”. It blends air and fuel and circulates these elements into an engine’s cylinders.
What is the best way to keep a lawn mower out of the elements?
Ideal Climate: Any climate. A storage shed is an excellent way to keep your lawn mower out of the elements and out of your much-needed garage or basement space. Storage sheds come in many styles and sizes and can suit many different needs and budgets.
What is the best climate for a lawn mower?
Ideal Climate: Warm and/or cool climates, no extremes. You can sometimes find some small plastic outdoor storage boxes made to store lawn mowers at certain big box stores. These storage containers are made to fit only a lawn mower and a few select accessories – therefore they only take up a small amount of space.
What size is a utility shed?
The utility shed is a great choice when looking for a classic storage shed for lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment such as leaf blowers, gardening tools, and more! It comes in a wide variety of sizes, from 8’x8′ all the way up to 14’x40′!
What type of flooring is used in Dutch Country sheds?
Robust Flooring System: All of the Dutch Country sheds are installed with 3/8″ tongue and groove flooring. This special floor covering will add strength while keeping both moisture and rodents out of your unit. The 4″ x 6″ specially treated skids will never need to be replaced.
What is Dutch Country Sheds?
At Dutch Country Sheds, we offer the best portable storage buildings at the lowest price. We combine quality materials with superior Amish craftsmanship to produce a shed that will last at an affordable price.
Is it safe to keep a lawn mower outside?
Ideal Climate: Warm and dry all year. Some homeowners choose to keep their lawnmower outside all year round. If you have a secure lot or very large property that is unlikely to attract unwanted visitors, keeping your lawn mower outside is an okay option. Storing your lawn mower outside is the most inexpensive option.
Can you store a lawn mower in a garage?
The garage is a common location for lawn mower storage. If you have a home with an attached garage, it won’t cost anything extra. If you purchase a detached garage, you will need a bigger budget. Both attached and detached garages are a great way to store lawn mowers and so much more.
Is It Dangerous to Leave a Lawn Mower Outside Without a Shed?
Lawn mowers are designed for outside use, and as such, they have certain levels of protection against the elements.
What is the most susceptible part of a lawn mower to rust?
The only exposed steel part of a lawn mower is going to be the cutting blades – and they tend to be the most susceptible to rust. Even covering the blades or the entire lawn mower with a thick tarp or waterproof cover may not prove to be very useful.
How to keep a lawn mower from rusting?
Make sure you don’t store your lawn mower dirty, as this can accelerate the accumulation of rust. If you have fuel or oil in the mower, make sure to keep it in the upright position so as not to spill it over; When you are ready with the cleaning, fill the fuel tank with fresh gas, and the oil tank with fresh oil.
Why is it bad to leave a lawn mower out in the heat?
The major disadvantage of leaving a mower out in the heat is that the plastic parts may start to change their color or wear out faster and become more brittle.
How long does it take for a lawn mower to degrade?
The most sensitive part of these lawn mowers is the fuel. Fuel starts to degrade in as little as two to four weeks. This can lead to the clogging of the fuel system.
What is a lawn mower made of?
Mowers usually consist of different metal and plastic parts . Many of today’s models come with a special powder coating, which will prevent the steel from rusting. Some other metals, like aluminum, do not rust.
What will damage my lawn mower?
The weather is the main thing that will potentially damage your lawn mower and that we need to adapt to.
When To Tune-up The Engine?
Lots of my customers ask me “when should I get my mower serviced?” The spring makes the most sense, machinery dislikes being idle. Lawn equipment will often start right up in the spring after the winter storage, but then stall and refuse to run. Check out the “Mower tune-up guide” here or check out the video here.
How do I clean a lawn mower deck in winter?
Begin by removing any large clumps of grass and using soapy water, wash the surface area of your mower deck , engine, wheels, etc. I prefer not to use a garden hose or pressure washer, if possible, it forces water into cables and electrics causing problems later.
Why won't my lawn mower start?
Bad gas is the number one reason for a lawn mower no start. Gas goes stale, and blocks up the gas system. How long gas stays fresh for depends on factors such as: the temperature stored at; where it's stored; how full the gas tank/can is; type of gas. All mowers are effected, even new ones.
How to keep a lawn mower from rusting in winter?
Allow the mower to dry out completely, turning mower over once more, spray the underside of the deck with WD40, this will protect against rust and dampness over the winter months. Take care not to spray any belts or pulleys directly. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
How to stop gas from flooding on lawn mower?
Turn off gas, if you have a gas valve fitted and pull off the spark plug wire. This prevents the mower from starting accidentally. Now turn your mower over, air-filter side up. This prevents gas flooding.
Why does my lawn mower battery fail?
Most mower batteries fail over the winter months because temperatures drop and the voltage is allowed drain away until totally flat.
What is winter storage on a lawn mower?
So what is lawn mower winter storage? Mower winter storage is the practice of prepping the engine and body so that they are protected from the environment.
How to fill a gas can with stabilizer?
That’ll thoroughly mix the stabilizer with the new fuel. Fill the mower tank with fresh gas and screw on the gas cap. Run the mower for 10-mins. to fill the carburetor bowl with stabilized gas. Top off the gas tank and store the mower.
What happens if you winterize a lawn mower?
If there’s still gasoline left over after you winterize your lawn mower, it could end up corroding the carburetor and clogging the fuel system. Remember to check out our tips for how to tune up a lawn mower for spring!
Can you use old oil on a lawn mower?
Then deal with the gasoline. Make sure to use the right type of lawn mower oil for optimal performance.
Can you add fuel stabilizer to old gas?
NOTE: Never add fuel stabilizer to old gas—it won’t bring it back to life. It must be added to fresh gas.
How many gallons of gas can you store in a generator?
Fire codes typically restrict gas storage to no more than 25 gallons. Store the gas in containers of 5 gallons or less that have been approved for gasoline. Approved gas storage containers will include ...
What is an approved gas storage container?
Approved gas storage container. Approved gas storage containers have a label that says that the gas storage container meets certain specifications. The label includes a warning as well as a container approval for gasoline use. If you have to store gasoline for an emergency generator, your lawn mower or for other purposes, ...
Where to put gasoline stabilizer?
On the floor in a place where children can’t reach it. In a garage or shed rather than in the house, out of direct sunlight. On concrete, place a piece of plywood under the container. When you buy gasoline to store for your generator, always add a fuel stabilizer right away.
Can you store gas in unapproved containers?
Approved gas storage containers will include a label or wording directly on the container that says it meets specifications for portable containers for petroleum products (see close-up photo). Never store gas in unapproved or glass containers. Fill the containers no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion.
