A lawn mower is an essential tool for maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing yard. It ensures that your lawn stays at a proper length, promoting good grass health and deterring pests. Understanding the importance of proper storage and maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan and ensure the safety of your lawn mower. In this article, you will learn about the importance of reading the owners manual, as well as how to store a lawn mower in the garage or other location.
Let’s find out more!
Always Read the Owners Manual
First and foremost, always read the owner’s manual. It contains specific guidance for the care, maintenance, and storage of your particular model. Adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions will help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage or wear. It may also tell you about recommendations about how to store a lawn mower.
How to Store a Lawn Mower in the Garage?
Storing your lawn mower in the garage is an excellent option as it provides shelter from the elements and keeps the machine out of direct sunlight, which can cause parts to degrade over time. To store a lawn mower in your garage:
- Clean the lawn mower thoroughly to remove dirt, grass clippings, and debris.
- Drain the fuel or run the engine until the fuel is used up to prevent gummed-up fuel lines.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the mower cannot start accidentally.
- Fold down the handle if possible to save space.
- Store the mower in a dry area of the garage away from any heat sources or open flames.
What to Do Before You Store a Lawn Mower?
Before storing your lawn mower, perform the following maintenance tasks:
- Clean the undercarriage and remove all grass and debris.
- Change the oil according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Replace or clean the air filter.
- Sharpen or replace the blades as necessary.
- Inspect the mower for any signs of wear or damage.
Benefits Of Storing Your Lawn Mower In a Dry, Ventilated Space
The best place to store your lawn mower is in a dry, ventilated space, such as a garage, shed, or storage building. The ideal location will protect your mower from weather-related damage and temperature extremes while keeping it easily accessible for regular use and maintenance.
How to Store a Lawn Mower Outside If Needed
If garage or shed storage isn’t an option, you can store a lawn mower outside by taking these precautions:
- Choose a flat, clean surface away from high-traffic areas.
- Cover the lawn mower with a waterproof cover to protect against rain and moisture.
- Secure the cover to prevent it from blowing away in windy conditions.
- Consider placing the mower on top of wooden pallets to keep it off the ground and reduce the chance of rust.
Garage and Storage Maintenance
Now that you are thinking about storing the lawn mower in the garage, there are a few areas of maintenance to think about. One of those is manually closing the garage door. Sometimes the garage door stops working for a number of reasons and you can use the emergency release cord and follow the steps to raise it or close it.
Another is how to know when it is time to replace the garage door. You will know when there is damage, wear and tear, and safety concerns. Also, calling a professional company can help you know as well if replacing or repairing is needed.
Lastly, you may decide to turn a barn that you were using for storage into a barndominium. If you do this, it can take from 6 months to a year to build.
Maintenance for a Lawn Mower
Regular maintenance is a critical aspect of lawn mower care that can prevent costly repairs and significantly extend the life of the machine. By adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule, you ensure that your lawn mower operates at peak efficiency and reliability. Here’s how regular maintenance achieves this:
- Prevents Buildup of Debris: Grass clippings, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the mower’s undercarriage and in its working parts. This buildup can cause corrosion, block key components, and lead to overheating. Regular cleaning prevents such accumulation, thereby reducing the risk of damage.
- Ensures Efficient Operation: Sharp blades cut grass cleanly and efficiently, while dull blades tear the grass, causing stress and disease to the lawn. Regular blade sharpening ensures a clean cut and reduces the strain on the mower’s engine.
- Identifies Wear Early: Routine inspections can reveal wear and tear on belts, cables, and other parts before they break. Early detection allows for timely replacements, avoiding the more significant damage that can occur if a worn part fails during operation.
- Protects Engine Health: Changing the oil, replacing spark plugs, and cleaning or replacing air filters are all essential to maintaining engine health. These actions ensure that the engine runs smoothly, with proper lubrication and without inhaling damaging debris. A well-maintained engine is less likely to experience failures and will have a longer lifespan.
- Maintains Fuel Efficiency: A lawn mower that receives regular tune-ups and adjustments will use fuel more efficiently. Clean air filters and fresh spark plugs contribute to better combustion, which can save money on fuel and reduce emissions.
- Avoids Costly Repairs: Many major mechanical issues with lawn mowers stem from small, unresolved problems. Regular maintenance catches these issues early, preventing them from escalating into expensive repairs. For example, replacing a frayed belt is much cheaper than repairing an engine damaged by a snapped belt.
- Extends Mower Lifespan: Each aspect of maintenance contributes to the overall health of the lawn mower. When all parts are functioning correctly, there’s less strain on the machine as a whole, leading to a longer service life. This means you won’t need to replace the mower prematurely, saving you money in the long run.
Regular maintenance is an investment in the longevity and performance of your lawn mower. It keeps the machine running smoothly, minimizes the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, and ensures that when it’s time to mow the lawn, your equipment is ready and reliable.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice any issues with your lawn mower that you are not equipped to handle, such as motor problems or extensive mechanical failures, it’s time to call a professional. A trained technician can address complex issues properly and safely.
Conclusion
Proper storage and regular maintenance are indispensable for the longevity of your lawn mower. By following the recommended procedures and knowing when to seek professional help, you can ensure that your lawn mower remains a reliable part of your gardening equipment for years to come. Remember, investing time into caring for your lawn mower not only prolongs its life but also guarantees the beauty and health of your lawn. Once you decide where to store your lawn mower, then it will be a great time to contact out to RedFish Inspections for a home inspection in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.
