Can you leave a lawn mower outside with a cover?

Leaving a lawn mower outside during the off-season is a common practice for many homeowners. Putting a cover over the mower while it is stored outdoors can help protect it from the elements and keep it in good condition until spring. However, there are some important factors to consider when deciding if your mower can be safely left outside under a cover or if it would be better to store it in a garage or shed.

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Quick Overview: Can You Leave a Lawn Mower Outside With a Cover?

In most cases, you can leave a lawn mower outside over the winter or during storage periods as long as it is properly prepared and protected with a good quality cover. Key factors that allow safe outdoor storage include:

Using a cover specifically designed for lawn mowers that fits snugly and secures to the mower.

Ensuring the mower is clean and dry before covering.
Storing on a hard, dry surface like concrete or plywood.
Keeping away from areas that collect water.

Checking on the mower periodically over winter.

Gas and electric mowers can typically be left outside as long as they are well maintained and protected. Very cold climates or excess moisture may make outdoor storage more risky. Storing in a shed or garage is ideal for protection.

Choosing an Appropriate Cover

The key to safely leaving a lawn mower outside for extended periods is using a high quality, purpose-built cover. The cover needs to be made of durable, waterproof material and designed specifically to fit your model of mower.

Look for mower covers made out of materials like vinyl, polyester or canvas that will resist sun damage, moisture and mildew. Avoid covers made with porous, thin fabrics. The cover should completely protect the mower’s body, wheels and underside.

A proper mower cover will have:

Integrated ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Fasteners like straps, cords or zippers to secure it in windy conditions.
A custom fit for your mower’s make and model.

Bagging mowers or using a generic tarp that doesn’t fit well leaves gaps for water, dirt and pests to get in. Invest in a cover made for your specific mower for optimal protection.

Location Considerations

Where you store the covered mower outside is also very important:

Choose a hard, dry surface like concrete, gravel, pavement or plywood. This prevents sinking or moisture damage.
Areas that collect water like lawns or dirt can cause mold, rust and engine damage.

Keep away from areas that flood or collect runoff after storms.
Avoid storing under trees and shrubs where sap, leaves or fruits can fall on the cover.

Positioning the mower so water drains away from it and keeping the cover secure reduces moisture risks. Placing blocks under the mower can improve drainage.

Preparing the Mower

Proper preparation is key before putting any lawn mower into storage. Here are some tips for getting a mower ready for outdoor storage:

Clean the mower thoroughly by hosing off grass clippings, dirt and grime.
Check the fuel and oil levels, topping them off if needed.

For gas mowers, add fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent stale gas.
Make sure the cooling fins and air intakes are clear of debris.
Lubricate moving parts like wheels, cables and hinges.

Check and inflate tires.
Remove batteries from electric mowers, following storage guidelines.

Letting the mower dry completely before covering prevents moisture buildup. Disconnect spark plugs as well.

Extra Tips for Gas Mower Storage

For mowers with gas engines, also:

Drain the fuel tank if leaving for over 3-4 months.
Seal the tank vent and use a fuel stabilizer.

Disconnect and clean spark plugs.
Seal the exhaust with tape to keep out pests.

Taking these steps minimizes corrosion and helps the mower start right up after storage.

Preparing Electric Mowers

For electric mowers:

Remove and store batteries following manufacturer guidelines.
Disconnect the power cord and coil it neatly.

Check cables and wiring for damage.
Clean off any corrosive battery fluid leaks.

Proper battery storage will extend battery life. Keep batteries cool and dry.

Periodic Mower Checks

Once the mower is covered and stored outside, check on it periodically over the storage period. This includes:

Check for gaps, tears or unsecured areas on the cover after windstorms.
Remove any debris that collects on top of the cover.

Check under the cover for any signs of rust or leaks.
Make sure the mower hasn’t shifted or sunk into soft ground.
Look for signs of pest intrusion like nests or chewed openings.

Doing occasional walk-around inspections lets you catch and fix any issues early. Maintaining the cover condition ensures ongoing protection.

Climate Considerations

Colder climates with frequent rain, snow and ice require extra preparation and vigilance when storing a mower outside.

Areas with heavy snowfall put extra strain on covers. Reinforce with extra fasteners.

Remove batteries and bring them into a warmer location.
Use plastic sheeting under the mower to block ground moisture.
Check for water or snow buildup under the cover.

Wipe off any ice or snow right away before it melts.

Those living in humid, rainy areas should also take extra care to prevent rust and mildew. Keep the mower very clean before covering and ensure good drainage under the mower.

Mowers stored in hot climates still need protection from sun damage, dirt accumulation and pests seeking shade. Light colored covers that reflect heat help.

Risks of Outdoor Mower Storage

While Outdoor storage with a cover is generally safe for mowers, there are some risks to be aware of:

Moisture damage from rain, snow or groundwater if covers leak or aren’t secured.
Rust forming on metal components from moisture.

Sun damage over many months of exposure.
Dirt/debris accumulation under covers limiting airflow.
Fuel varnishing and oil thickening without periodic starting.

Mice and pests chewing through covers to nest in warm engines.
Parts degradation from lack of use like cracked belts or hoses.

With proper preparation and vigilance, these risks are minimized. But damage is more likely the longer a mower sits unused outside.

Mower Types That Shouldn’t be Left Outdoors

Most push and riding lawn mowers can be left outside if properly prepped and protected. But some specific mower types are better off stored indoors:

Zero turn mowers – Their intricate hydraulic systems are very vulnerable to moisture damage.
Antique mowers – Their metal and paint coatings aren’t designed to withstand outdoor exposure.

Reel mowers – Blades rust easily from moisture and require sharpening after sitting.
Rare or expensive mowers – Outdoor risks outweigh benefits for prized equipment.
Poorly maintained mowers – Those already showing rust or needing repairs.

While leaving even these mowers outside for short stints is OK, extended outdoor storage raises the odds of serious deterioration. An enclosed shed or garage is best.

Alternative Outdoor Storage Spaces

If you don’t have room for your lawn mower in a garage or shed, some other outside areas can provide reasonable protection:

Under a deck or patio sheltered from rain and sun.

Inside a lean-to or open-faced shed against a wall.
Beneath an overhang on the side of a building.
Against a fence out of direct weather.

Under a carport or canopy garage.

Any covered space that gets the mower off the open lawn helps. Just ensure good drainage and minimal dirt or debris accumulation in those areas.

Getting Mowers Ready After Storage

When taking a mower out of storage after an extended time, some preparation helps ensure smooth performance. Follow these tips when uncovering a stored mower:

Check for any rust, leaks or damage under the cover.
Wipe down any accumulated moisture, dirt or grime.
For gas mowers, drain old gas and add fresh if needed.

Make sure oil is still clean and at proper level.
Clean/replace air filter and check other filters.
Check tire pressure and battery charge.

Prime oil and fuel systems before starting.

Taking it for a test run to clear out any stale gas also helps. A tune-up or further maintenance may be needed after months stored outside before regular mowing resumes.

Conclusion

Leaving a lawn mower outside over winter or a long storage period is generally fine as long as you take key precautions. Use a high quality cover designed specifically for your mower model. Prep the mower properly before covering. And choose an outdoor location that is dry, firm and well-drained.

Check on the mower periodically and fix any cover issues right away. While potential risks like rust, sun damage and pesky nests are minimized with good covers, sheds or garages offer superior protection. But with smart preparation and vigilant cover maintenance, most mowers can stay safe under a cover outside.

Storage Location	Level of Protection	Considerations
Outdoors with Cover	Good	Choose waterproof, secured cover, prep mower thoroughly. Check periodically.
Shed	Better	More covered but still exposed to some temperature extremes.
Garage	Best	Ideal protected, enclosed space. Reduces risks of damage.

With proper precautions, most mowers can safely spend the off-season outside under a cover. But for ultimate protection from the elements, an enclosed garage or shed is ideal if space allows. Be proactive with preparation, protective covering and periodic checks to leave your lawn mower in great shape for seasons to come.