The Best Way to Store Your Lawn Mower Long-Term

If you want to keep your lawn looking nice, you'll need a lawn mower – but mowers are heavy, bulky, and a pain to store when they're not in use. Keeping them in your garage or shed will occupy valuable space; leaving them outside means a risk of damage from weather, dirt, and dust.

Storage units are an easy way to free up space at home while still protecting your mower from the elements. Here's why it's a wise decision to store your lawn mower long-term, as well as some tips on how to do it correctly.

Why Should You Store Your Lawn Mower in a Storage Unit?

1. Free Up Space at Home

Since they're large and bulky, lawn mowers can take up a lot of space in your shed or garage at home. Keeping yours in a separate storage unit frees up extra space for tools, home goods, and vehicles.

2. Protect Your Mower from the Elements

Leaving your mower outside exposes it to UV rays, weather, and damp, all of which cause rust and fading paint on plastic parts. Even if you're storing your lawn mower under an awning or in a similar protected space, changing temperatures can cause wear over time; a storage unit offers a dry, shaded space to keep your mower in excellent shape.

3. Prevent Vandalism and Theft

Given their cost, lawn mowers are easy targets for theft. Lockaway Storage facilities are fully fenced, with gated entry and 24/7 video surveillance – all the better to keep your mower safe from theft or vandalism.

4. Extend Its Lifespan

If you don't store your mower properly long-term, you can cause tire damage, rust, battery drain, and fuel system issues. A mower kept in a storage unit will be protected from the elements – and you can always visit your unit during Lockaway Storage's convenient access hours to check on your mower and perform any necessary maintenance. This way, you'll extend the lifespan of your lawn mower and save money on expensive repairs.

5. Store with the Seasons

As the seasons change, you'll have fewer and fewer reasons to get your mower out. Lockaway Storage offers month-to-month rentals, so you can store your lawn mower for exactly as long as you need.

How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Long-Term Storage

Before you start getting your mower ready for its time in a storage unit, make sure to remove the spark plugs – the last thing you want is for your mower to start up while you're cleaning it!

1. Give Your Mower a Deep Cleaning

Clean out any grass clippings, dirt, and debris from your mower before storing. Use a leaf blower to clear the top of the motor, and follow manufacturer instructions for the motor itself. 

2. Drain the Fuel

If you leave gasoline sitting in a mower, it can get gummy and jam up your fuel system. If you plan to store your lawn mower long-term, drain the fuel entirely and run the engine till it shuts off.

3. Change the Oil

Older, contaminated oil can turn corrosive and ruin engine parts. It's extremely important to change the oil in your lawn mower once a year. Replace the oil before storage to keep everything lubricated and protected.

4. Remove the Battery

When you plan to store your lawn mower, remove its battery; batteries slowly drain whenever they're plugged in, even if the mower is off. Store the battery in a sealed container somewhere dry with a consistent mild temperature.

5. Prevent Tire Damage

If kept in one location too long, tires can get flat spots. Prevent this by inflating your tires to the advised level before you store. Keep them off the floor by setting your mower on blocks, jacks, or wooden pallets. You may also want to rotate your tires periodically to keep flat spots from forming.

6. Cover Your Mower for Extra Protection

Over time, dust and moisture can accumulate – even in a storage unit! To keep dust and dirt away, cover your lawn mower with a breathable tarp. Make sure it's breathable! This will prevent corrosion and moisture build-up.

7. Keep It Safe and Accessible

Point the mower towards the back of your unit so it’s easy to grab it when it’s time to bring it out of storage. Don’t pile anything heavy on top of it. Check in on your unit periodically and complete any necessary maintenance.

By storing your lawn mower in a storage unit, you’ll be able to keep it safe, covered, and accessible for when you need it – not to mention creating room at home. Looking for affordable and secure storage for your lawn mower? Contact Lockaway Storage to find your storage solution!