Lawnmowers are necessary for many homeowners, but they can quickly become a source of clutter and stress if not correctly stored during those winter months. If you're looking to keep your push mower, riding lawnmower, and other garden tools for an extended period, there are a few tips and tricks you should know to keep it in good condition. Here are our best practices on long-term storage for lawnmowers and equipment:
Storage for Lawnmower and Lawn Equipment
Depending on the type, size, and amount of lawn care equipment you own, there are various storage options to take advantage of. Here are some of the most common:
Garage storage
Garage storage is probably the most common option for storing equipment. Most garages have enough space to store a push mower and other lawn equipment. There are some disadvantages to this option. First, keep the garage clean and organized to maximize limited storage space. Second, you must decide what you store in the garage because space is limited. If you're keeping equipment for the winter when you don't regularly use it, will there still be room for your vehicles? Finally, just because it's stored in your garage doesn't mean you don't have to take measures to ensure your lawn equipment is maintained correctly. It will probably break down over time if you don't take care of it. And if it breaks down, you'll need to replace it with a new one.
Shed
There are many benefits to using storage sheds for lawn equipment. They are weatherproof and resistant to pests and decay. They also offer an easy way to organize and access tools and equipment.
However, this storage method for lawnmower equipment also has disadvantages. Sheds generally do not offer any climate control. While your equipment might not be so delicate as to require exact temperatures, extreme temperature exposure during long-term storage can still be damaging.
Storage for Lawnmower in a Unit
Self-storage units have become popular storage options for lawnmowers and lawn equipment.
Here are some of the many benefits of self-storage units:
- They can be cheaper than other storage options
- They offer the convenience of being able to store these items close to where they are used. It means you can access your equipment when you need it.
- They can be a good option if using your lawn equipment frequently, as they can hold multiple pieces of equipment at once.
- These units are also secure and usually come with 24-hour security.
When you're ready to store equipment for the winter, consider using a storage unit. Often these units come with various features, such as climate control.
Prepare your equipment for long-term storage
If you want it to be in good shape when spring rolls around, follow these tips for long-term lawnmower storage.
Remove, sharpen and inspect the blade
To remove the blade, you'll need to loosen the bolts that connect it to your mower. Then, use a file to sharpen the blade and inspect it for cracks or other damage. Replace it if necessary—you can buy replacement blades at most hardware stores and lawn equipment dealerships. Alternatively, most places have businesses that sharpen and inspect blades for you.
Clean your mower
Clean your mower. First, remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris from the underside of the deck. Remove any buildup of clippings in the chute by using a vacuum attachment to clean it out. Then, use a brush to clean underneath each blade on both sides of your mower's deck. Finally, hose down your engine with water to remove dirt and grease buildup from moving parts (but don't let water sit anywhere for too long).
Replace the spark plugs
Spark plugs need to be replaced every year. If you don't, they can cause your lawnmower to run poorly and might lead to a dangerous fire. Spark plugs are easy and cheap to replace, so there's no reason not to do it.
To change spark plugs, we recommend you check the owner's manual for your equipment to see specific instructions. It would be best if you replaced spark plugs every year or two, depending on how often you use your mower and how much grass clippings, debris, and dust it picks up during operation.
It may also be necessary to replace them more frequently if you start having problems with starting or idling more than usual—this is an indication that there's a problem somewhere within your engine that may require professional attention before any further damage is done to other parts beyond just replacing one component!
Drain and replace engine oil
Your lawnmower, trimmer, and other equipment are essential tools that help you maintain your lawn. They can also be a huge pain if they break down in the middle of the cutting season or while you're away on vacation.
To prevent malfunctions, ensure your equipment is ready for long-term storage after the last time you use it before winter. This includes draining all fluids from the engine and changing their oil before storing them for months at a time. Oil is vital to keeping your engine running smoothly and safely.
When an engine gets cold (as in winter), its oil will thicken and become more difficult to pump through its pipelines when it warms up again later in the year when you're ready to use it again.
In addition, old oil will begin breaking down over time into sludge that clogs up vital parts of your machine's internal workings if left unattended too long under these conditions.
Remove the battery
It's essential to remove the battery from your mower before storing it. Otherwise, you may experience damage to the equipment or injury while trying to start it in the spring.
To remove the battery:
- Ensure all accessories are disconnected from your lawnmower, including any extension cords or power tools used during storage.
- Remove the key from its storage compartment on your lawnmower and store it safely.
- Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on removing the battery from your model and how to store the battery correctly.
Lubricate essential parts
Before putting your equipment away, you should lubricate all the moving parts. Lubricating your lawnmower will make springtime start-up much more effortless. Here are some steps to take:
- Apply a few drops of oil to each blade. Wipe away any excess with a rag or shop towel.
- Apply a little bit of 3 in 1 oil (or other multi-purpose oil) on all four wheels that roll and each roller shoe if yours have them. This will help prevent rust from forming in those areas and allow for easier rolling when you're ready to use it again!
- After cleaning out any debris inside the engine compartment, apply small amounts of motor oil where metal meets metal—especially around nuts holding things together and connecting rods near their bearings—and where bearings sit against their housing units. This will ensure smooth operation during storage without causing corrosion or damage over time due to a lack of lubrication during off-season storage periods.
Store in a dry and clean space
After you've finished using your lawn equipment, it's time to store it. If a storage shed isn't an option, keep in mind that there are many ways to store your gear outside a shed or garage. Perhaps the safest and most straightforward solution is within your unit at South Rock Storage!
Here are some essential things to keep in mind when storing any lawn equipment:
- Store in a dry and clean space. It's best to find a place where the ground is level and has no moisture, such as under a carport or on your driveway. Don't let your mower sit out in the rain because this will cause rusting over time!
- Don't store near heat sources like fireplaces or furnaces since heat may damage certain parts of the machine, like paint jobs or plastic parts.
Final Thoughts
Remember to keep your lawnmower in good working order by following these tips and tricks for long-term storage. This will ensure that your lawnmower can serve you for many years.
Of all the storage options mentioned, storing lawnmowers and other equipment in self-storage units is the best. It will provide a safe and secure spot for your lawnmower to be held in, protecting it from water, dust, and other elements that can damage or destroy it. It also gives you the peace of mind that it will be safely stored and not damaged. This will allow you to use your lawnmower when you need it and keep it in good shape, improving your overall working experience.
If you are in Wichita, Kansas, and looking for a place to store your lawnmower, look no further than South Rock Storage. Our storage units provide you with the utmost security, making you feel confident that your belongings will be safe from theft and damage.
