The Best Way to Store Your Lawn Mower Long-Term
Why It's Important To Store Your Lawn Mower Properly
Your lawn mower is a useful tool that keeps your yard looking great. But when it’s time to put it away for the season, not taking the proper precautions can lead to rust, clogs in the fuel lines, dead batteries, and possible repairs. In this blog, we’ll discuss the proper steps to ensure your mower stays in running condition.
When Should You Store Your Mower
The best time to store your lawn mower is in late fall, when the first signs of winter appear. When temperatures drop and grass stops growing, that is your sign to begin the storage process. Waiting too long can cause fuel to degrade and possibly damage your equipment.
How To Prepare Your Mower
The first thing you should do is clean your lawnmower deeply. It usually has dirt and grass clippings in the discharge area, a bag, blades, and blade housing. If moisture remains, it leads to rust and corrosion. When cleaning up, use a brush or hose to remove the buildup and let it dry.
The second thing you should do is manage your lawnmower's fuel. There are two options for preparing your lawnmower:
1. Drain the fuel tank
2. Use a fuel stabilizer.
Leaving old gasoline in your mower over the winter can cause clogs. When gas sits for long periods of time, moisture can get into the fuel lines and fuel tank, causing the metal to rust. This rust can block fuel from flowing properly and cause carburetor issues. So, it's best to run the mower dry or treat the gas properly.
Third, change the oil. Reusing the same oil can break down over time and damage internal components, so replacing it with fresh oil will protect your engine while it is in storage.
Fourth, if you own an electric Mower, you should remove the battery and place it in a temperature-controlled space.
The last thing you should do is maintain your lawnmower's blades. You can easily do this by unbolting the blades from the housing. Start off by sharpening the blade. This takes care of doing this in the future. If you plan to remove the blades, just put them somewhere that is easily accessible.
Best Places to Store Your Mower
While storing your mower in a shed or garage may seem convenient, these spaces lack protection from humidity, pests, and temperature changes. Instead, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit at StorPlace Self Storage in Murfreesboro. Our storage facilities are clean and secure and provide ideal conditions for preserving lawn equipment.
Which Unit Size Do You Need?
A 5x5 unit typically offers enough space for standard push mowers. If you’re storing a riding mower or need room for additional tools, a 5x10 or 10x10 unit would fit best. If you own an electric mower, you should consider a climate-controlled 5x5 unit.
Cover It the Right Way
If you plan on storing your lawn mower in your garage, you should use a cover to shield it from dust and moisture. Don’t use plastic tarps, as they can trap moisture and cause rust.
Safety First
Never store a full gasoline tank mower in an enclosed storage unit, as this creates a fire hazard. Disconnect any spark plugs or batteries before storage to prevent accidental ignition. If you leave the blade attached, ensure it is covered or secured to avoid injury when accessing the unit.
Why Locals Trust StorPlace Self Storage
At StorPlace Self Storage, we’re more than just a place to store your mower. We have a dedicated team to protect your belongings. Our Murfreesboro facility features 24-hour surveillance, well-lit driveways, clean units, and friendly on-site managers ready to help you every step of the way, with climate-controlled options and flexible unit sizes.
