Storing For A Cleaner Home

Riding Mower Storage: Key Tips

18 September 2018 by Irma Soto

Riding lawn mowers are a terrific way to cut your yard without the hassle of having to maneuver a push mower across the yard. When summer concludes, and the growing season ends, however, it's time to start thinking about the best ways to store your mower for the winter. Here are some key tips to help you deal with this issue.

Preparation

Before you choose a location to store the riding mower, you need to prepare it properly so that the mower does not suffer any harm while it is not in use. First, clean the mower of any dirt, grime, and debris, as these substances can cause rust. Don't forget to clean the underside of the mower. Remove the spark plug and then wash the mower and dry it with a towel.

Change the oil and the oil filter according to the instructions in your owner's manual. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, so that the gas does not cause any harm to the mower over the winter. Last, remove the mower's battery.

Location

Now that the mower has been properly prepared, it's time to choose a place to store it until spring. If you have a garage with enough room, that is a good choice. Of course, many homeowners have garages that are cluttered with tools, bicycles, and other objects. You then have the option of moving these items somewhere else or finding another location for the mower.

If you have a garden shed, then this would be a good choice as well, depending on the size of the shed and how much extra space is available.

Outside

It's possible to simply store your mower outside in your backyard for the winter as long you don't leave it uncovered. If you leave it exposed to the elements, this will create the perfect condition for rust to develop. To avoid this possibility, you can purchase a cover made especially for riding mower storage.

A great idea that is easy to overlook is to store the mower in a self-storage unit. A locked storage unit not only protects you from theft but also offers complete protection from the elements. If you already own a storage unit, you may be able to fit the mower into the space by stacking your belongings up on top of each other. If you don't have a unit, then purchasing one especially for your riding mower is an excellent investment.

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