Last week, a sudden downpour caught me off guard, leaving my trusty lawnmower exposed in the backyard. I frantically rushed to cover it, wondering if all that rain would damage it. This got me thinking: can you keep a lawn mower outside? This post will explore the pros and cons, helping you decide what’s best for your mower and giving you tips for protecting it from the elements, ultimately extending its lifespan and saving you money.
Protecting Your Lawn Mower from the Elements
This section discusses the challenges posed by weather and how to mitigate them when storing your lawn mower outside. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right shelter to regular maintenance.
The Impact of Sun and Rain
- UV Degradation: Prolonged sun exposure can cause the plastic and rubber components of your lawn mower to degrade, becoming brittle and cracking over time. This can lead to malfunction and require costly repairs. Consider using a UV-resistant cover.
- Rust and Corrosion: Moisture, especially in combination with the metal parts, accelerates rust and corrosion. This can severely damage the engine and other vital components, shortening the mower’s lifespan significantly. Regular cleaning and proper storage are crucial.
- Water Damage: Direct exposure to rain can lead to water ingress into the engine, causing malfunctions and potentially irreparable damage. Even a small amount of water in sensitive components can cause significant problems.
Choosing the Right Shelter
The type of shelter you choose depends on your budget and available space. Options range from simple tarps to dedicated mower sheds. Proper shelter is vital when considering if you can keep a lawnmower outside.
- Tarps: Affordable and readily available, but offer limited protection against heavy rain and wind. Regular inspection and replacement might be necessary.
- Mower Sheds: Offer superior protection, shielding your mower from all weather conditions. However, they are more expensive and require dedicated space.
- Covered Porches/Patios: If you have a covered area, this provides a good balance between cost and protection, providing partial shelter from sun and rain.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Lawn Mower
This section provides crucial tips for regular maintenance to extend the life of your lawnmower when stored outdoors. We’ll cover cleaning, lubrication and seasonal preparation.
Regular Cleaning
- Post-Use Cleaning: Always clean your mower after each use. Remove grass clippings, debris, and dirt to prevent build-up and corrosion. A simple hose-down will prevent build up of grass and dirt.
- Seasonal Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your mower at the beginning and end of the mowing season. This helps to identify and address any issues before they worsen.
- Lubrication: Regular lubrication of moving parts, such as the blades and engine components, is essential to prevent friction and wear. Use appropriate lubricants for the various parts of the machine.
Seasonal Storage Preparations
Preparing your mower for seasonal storage is key to ensuring it survives the winter months or extended periods of disuse.
- Fuel Stabilization: Before long-term storage, use fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation and gumming up of the engine. This is especially important if you are storing your mower outside.
- Battery Care: If your lawnmower has a battery, ensure it is fully charged or disconnected during storage to prevent damage. If possible, charge regularly throughout the duration of storage.
- Blade Sharpening: Sharp blades are essential for efficient mowing. Consider sharpening or replacing blades at the end of the season to keep your mower running at optimum levels.
The Impact of Different Weather Conditions
Understanding how various weather conditions affect your lawnmower is crucial for making informed decisions about its storage. This section explores the challenges posed by extreme temperatures, humidity and more.
Extreme Temperatures
- Heat: Excessive heat can damage plastic components and cause engine oil to degrade. Providing shade is important. A simple tarp can make all the difference.
- Cold: Extreme cold can affect the engine’s ability to start and may cause damage to certain components. Ensuring the mower is protected from the elements is key during cold spells.
Humidity and Moisture
High humidity increases the risk of rust and corrosion. Proper ventilation is key when protecting your lawnmower.
- Ventilation: Ensure your storage solution allows for adequate air circulation to prevent moisture build-up. This reduces the likelihood of rust and corrosion developing.
- Dehumidifiers: In extremely humid climates, consider using a dehumidifier within the storage area to further reduce moisture levels. This is particularly effective in enclosed shelters.
Debunking Common Myths about Outdoor Lawn Mower Storage
Myth 1: Any Cover Will Do
This is false. Cheap, flimsy covers offer little protection and can even trap moisture, increasing the risk of damage.
Myth 2: A Garage is Always Necessary
While a garage offers optimal protection, a well-constructed shelter or covered area can be equally effective, depending on the climate and weather conditions. The focus should be on adequate protection from the elements.
Myth 3: Regular Cleaning is Unnecessary
This is a myth. Regular cleaning is essential for preventing rust, corrosion, and build-up of debris that can damage your lawnmower.
Choosing the Right Lawn Mower for Outdoor Storage
The material and design of the lawnmower itself can impact its resilience to outdoor conditions. This section will highlight factors to consider when selecting a mower for outdoor use.
Material Considerations
- Rust-Resistant Materials: Look for mowers with components made from rust-resistant materials like stainless steel. This reduces vulnerability to moisture damage.
- UV-Resistant Plastics: Opt for mowers with plastic components made from UV-resistant materials to minimize sun damage.
Design Features
- Engine Protection: Choose a mower with a well-protected engine to shield it from the elements. This is crucial when keeping your mower outside.
- Sealed Components: Look for mowers with sealed electrical components to minimize the risk of water damage.
Insert a comparison chart here comparing different lawnmower materials and their resistance to outdoor elements.
FAQ
Can I leave my lawnmower outside all year round?
It depends on your climate and the level of protection provided. In mild climates with adequate shelter, it might be possible. However, in harsh climates with extreme temperature fluctuations and heavy rainfall, it’s best to provide more substantial protection.
What is the best way to protect my lawnmower from the rain?
A dedicated mower shed offers the best protection. Alternatively, a heavy-duty tarp or a covered area will significantly reduce the risk of water damage. Ensure that it’s securely fastened to prevent it from blowing away.
How often should I clean my outdoor lawn mower?
Clean your mower after every use to remove grass clippings and debris. Perform a more thorough cleaning at the beginning and end of the mowing season. Pay particular attention to areas prone to rust and corrosion.
My lawnmower has started to rust, what should I do?
Depending on the severity of the rust, you might be able to clean it off with a wire brush and apply a rust inhibitor. For more severe rust, professional repair might be necessary.
Can I store my lawnmower on its side?
It’s generally recommended to store your lawnmower upright to prevent oil from leaking into the carburetor and spark plug. However, if stored on its side, ensure that the oil is drained to prevent damage.
What type of cover is best for protecting a lawnmower outside?
A heavy-duty, waterproof cover made from UV-resistant material is best. Ensure it is properly fitted to prevent wind or rain from getting under it.
Does leaving the gas in the lawn mower damage it?
Leaving gas in the tank over the winter can lead to gumming and varnish build-up, especially in older models. Add a fuel stabilizer or drain the tank before long-term storage.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether you can keep a lawn mower outside ultimately depends on your climate, the type of shelter you can provide, and your commitment to regular maintenance. By following the tips in this post – choosing the right shelter, implementing regular cleaning routines, and taking seasonal precautions – you can significantly extend the life of your lawnmower, even if it’s stored outdoors. Remember, a small investment in protection can save you significant costs in repairs or replacements down the line. So, assess your situation and choose the best storage solution for your mower.
