Lawn Mower Sheds: How to Pick the Right One. Outdoor lawn mower storage

Lawn Mower Sheds: How to Pick the Right One

If you invested in a heavy-duty riding mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn mower this spring, then you need an equally heavy-duty lawn mower shed to match.

Your lawn mower is a serious piece of equipment in every sense of the word, so take care of it like one. Think about it: your mower was a big investment and you’re planning on getting more than a decade of rock-solid performance from it. Storing it properly is a crucial component to enjoying the longevity you expect.

Plus, consider the size and weight — those numbers alone make it clear that this is no run-of-the-mill push mower. The dimensions of your mower can be too big for smaller sheds and certain styles. Plus, the weight from your riding mower (often in excess of 1,000 lbs) can break or damage flimsier sheds.

Glick Woodworks is Pennsylvania’s expert shed craftsmen. We know all about matching heavy-duty lawn equipment to the riding mower sheds they need.

How to Find the Right Lawn Mower Shed

As soon as you fire up the engine of your lawn mower, you know this is real power equipment. When you take that first loop of your lawn, you decide this is the only way to cut grass. When you see this mower side-by-side with your old one, the difference is clear.

You need a shed to match — and this is what to look for.

The Right Lawn Mower Shed Style

In most cases, the shed style and design is more about looking good and matching your home. When finding a shed for your riding mower, you need one with the depth to store a long piece of equipment. Some styles of sheds can be too shallow to accompany the size of your mower.

For your ideal lawn mower storage shed, you want a shed with a long-ways design. Some examples include our:

The Right Size Shed for Your Riding Mower

Your riding mower is closer to a car than a small push mower. It’s not uncommon for zero-turn mowers and riding tractors to be 7 feet long and 5 feet wide — you’ll need a decent size storage space to handle that.

The right size shed for the job is a 10 foot by 16 foot option. With those dimensions, you have enough room to comfortably house a large mower and extra attachments without wasting too much space.

A Durable Shed Ramp

When your mower weighs over 500 pounds, you’re going to drive it everywhere it goes. If you want to get it into and out of your shed, that shed is going to need a durable ramp that’s up to the job.

While some shed builders cut corners with the ramps, we don’t. Built with pressure-treated lumber, our heavy-duty ramps are 4 feet long and come in four standard size’s: 4 foot, 5 foot, 6 foot, and 9 foot. We can also custom build any ramp to fit the shed.

Our ramps have proven they’re up to the challenge of handling lawn tractors for years to come.

Reinforced Lawn Mower Shed Floor

Your new heavy-duty lawnmower is quite literally heavy enough to break the floor on lesser sheds. That’s why when looking for a riding mower shed, you need to find a shed with a reinforced floor.

We reinforce the structure of our shed floors in two distinct and optional ways:

• We can upgrade the 2X4’s to 12 inches apart rather than 16. This makes the floor able to withstand far greater weight.
• We can upgrade to double 5/8 inch flooring for a total of inch-and-a-quarter floorboards for your shed floor. This again makes the floor much stronger.

Finally, since driving mowers in and out of sheds can chip or damage even the sturdiest shed floors, we offer the option of diamond plate door tread. This aluminum plate keeps the plywood edge at the door from chipping when driving over it with your lawn mower.

Choose a Shed with Vents

Since your riding mower uses a serious gasoline engine to generate all that power, vents in your shed can be a good extra amenity to include. Available in the ridge or gables, these vents allow any lawnmower fumes to safely ventilate.

This upgrade can also be important if you plan to do maintenance in your mower shed.

Make Sure it Has Sufficient Storage Space and Shelving

While your new riding mower shed was bought to house your beloved new piece of lawn equipment, chances are you have plenty of other stuff to store, too.

Choosing a shed with space to not only accommodate your mower but other equipment as well is a great idea. Our sheds come customizable with off-ground shelving that’s perfect for storing other lawn equipment.

Lawn Mower Sheds in PA, MD, and NJ

Glick Woodworks is a premier Amish shed builder that serves Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. We deliver and install a wide variety of sheds to solve storage problems for homeowners throughout our service areas.

We build the custom lawn mower storage sheds that homeowners use to keep their heavy equipment safe and protected from the elements. If you have questions or would like to order your shed, contact us to start a conversation.

Lawn Mower Storage Ideas – Your Best Options

We’ve compiled a list of the best lawn mower storage ideas. This article will provide you will the top storage methods.

It’s your faithful companion. It aids in beautifying your lawn. Use it right and it will transform your outdoor space into an eye-seducing oasis. Without this trusty tool, your lawn will look like a scene straight out of Children of the Corn.

Making sure your lawn mower runs for a long time is important. Yet, some people treat it like yesterday’s news.When the end of the mowing season arrives or the harsh winter sets its eyes on your land, finding a place to store your trusty sidekick should be priority number one.

If you don’t store it properly, there won’t be a happy reunion the next time you start it. The saying is true – “they don’t make them like they used to.” Despite how advanced some lawn mowers are today, making sure its stored properly will help them live longer. Especially if it’s an older model.

Leaving it outside is not a solid option. Placing it in certain storage areas, like your garage, doesn’t mean it’ll be safe.We’ll offer some lawn mower storage ideas so your prized item can see the light of day after its hibernation. We’ll not only share where to store it but how to store your lawnmower too.

The Best Place To Store Your Lawn Mower

The air is colder. Leaves are falling. Your grass is dormant. Another pumpkin spice commercial. Looks like it’s time to store a lawnmower. Right now, you either own one or you’re thinking of buying one. Either way, you’re not sure where to put it.Awkward-sized spaces, disheveled garages, and messy basements can make this simple task an annoying head-scratcher. For those without the luxury of extra storage space, like a shed or a garage, this becomes more bothersome.

While the “ignorance is bliss” crowd might just store theirs anywhere, they’re in for a rude awakening. We offer some suggestions and ideas for safeguarding your lawnmower.

Our recommendations are perfect for the budget-conscious homeowner, the elbow greasers, and the people who might not have the extra space to store their lawnmowers.Here are some lawn mower storage ideas:

Store It in Your Garage

Hello, I’m Mr. obvious! We’re not trying to insult your intelligence with this obvious suggestion. But your garage is an ideal spot to store your lawnmower.

A friendly warning though!

It’s important to know how to store it. Ensuring you store it properly is important, especially if there’s lots of clutter, pests, bugs, water damage, or even a frog infestation. We’ll go into more detail later on how to make sure your lawnmower is safe and well maintained in your garage.

Cover it Using a Tent

If you don’t have a garage, basement, or shed, consider using a tent. Stationing your lawn mower inside a heavy-duty tent is a welcome option, especially for sheltering it against the rain.

DO NOT do this if you live in colder climates. This should be a short-term solution. Components and fluids inside your rickety machine can freeze up causing internal damage. Only place your lawnmower in a tent when the weather permits like during spring and summer. Using a tent when it’s cold is asking for trouble.

Carry It Down Your Basement

They say, “life is not always black and white, it’s a million shades of grey.” Our advice for storing your lawnmower in a basement is kind of like that.

Meaning, while we do suggest it, it should be a last resort. First, if your upper and lower body are up for it, go ahead and bring it down there.Just beware! Storing your gas-powered lawnmower can release toxic fumes that can be highly dangerous. It can also leak hazardous and flammable fluid which is enough to flood your basement floor to recreate a “Die Hard” scene.

If storing it in your basement is your only option, make sure to empty its gas tank and never store gas in an enclosed space. Check on it often, make sure to ventilate, don’t leave near a furnace, and don’t turn it on when inside. Also, consider placing it on a shelf or table, if possible, and covering it.

You shouldn’t store gas in a basement. Keep it away from anything that can ignite it. The same with your lawnmower. A basement should be a temporary solution for storing your lawnmower.

On the flip side, battery-powered lawn mowers are fine to keep in your basement. Just make sure to remove the battery and avoid enclosure. Electric lawn mowers should also be kept away from anything wet.

Leaving It Outside

Can you leave your lawnmower outside? Yes. These gritty machines are designed for the outdoors. While a little rain won’t break it apart, over time mother nature can be mean to it. Consider one of our indoor lawn mower storage ideas if the weather is a concern.

If you just set it to the side without covering or maintaining it, the metal can start rusting, and parts of your lawn mower can start decaying. Consider using a tarp or waterproof cover. There are covers designed just for lawnmowers. Make sure you’re always checking on it and avoid leaving it out when it’s too cold. Much like storing a boat, a lawnmower is at the mercy of the elements if left uncovered in harsh weather.

If you have an electric lawnmower, make sure to keep it away from water. You don’t need a science class to know electricity and water shouldn’t mix. For battery-powered lawn mowers, remove and store away the battery while covering the mower.

The Best Option: Store It in Your Shed

If you have the budget for it, consider buying a shed. In some stores, you can buy one for less than 200. Better quality ones can average between 400 and 900, or more. Most push lawn mowers measure around 31 x 18 x 14 inches or 48 x 17 inches, while large riding mowers can average 84 X 59 X 34 or larger.

Consider these dimensions if you plan to buy a shed. Ultimately, these are great for push mower storage and other types of mowers. If you’re handy and into DIY projects, building a storage shed will be a lot cheaper. Storage sheds designed for lawn mowers is a perfect resting place.

An even cheaper option is a stow-away shed. It doesn’t take up too much space either. These 80 feet cubic boxes come with a door and are easy to store away any outdoor tools. This is a perfect storage option for smaller lawnmowers and isn’t an eyesore.

Riding Lawn Mower Storage Ideas

Since riding lawn mowers are a lot bigger and wider, these bad boys are going to need more space. If you own one, it can be assumed you have larger storage space for them.

Placing them inside a garage or shed are two ideal spots for a riding lawnmower. If you have to keep it outside, make sure to remove the battery and cover it when not in use.

How To Store Your Lawn Mower

How you store a lawnmower is just as important as where you keep it. Whether you’re getting it ready for its deep sleep, deciding where to stick it around your clutter, and making sure it survives the winter, we’ll share some proper storing practices.

Can You Store It Sideways?

There is a community of basement dwellers, keyboard experts, and long-established professionals that have debated this question.

The short answer is, not really. Some gas-powered lawnmowers can leak fluid when turned vertically. While it might be tempting to find a hiding spot for your lawnmower in a tilted space. This isn’t recommended.

Some lawnmowers have been designed to be stored sideways like the Snapper XD or the very popular EGO mowers. These can be turned sideways but avoid doing so with gas and petrol run mowers.

Hang It Up

If you have strong hooks, hang your lawnmower on them. We only recommend you do this with push mowers though.Don’t hang it sideways or too high though. You’d be putting it at risk to leak and cause major issues. Make sure the front wheels face you when hanging. Alternatively, you can place it on an elevated platform. All lawn mowers should have enough breathing room underneath them.

Lawn Mower Garage Storage and Winter Prep

After a long winter, some property owners might find themselves with an unusable lawn mower come springtime. The culprit? than likely bad storage practices. If you don’t store your mower properly, it might not work at the start of the mowing season.

We’re sharing a must-follow process for storing away your lawnmower when it’s not going to be used for a while. This helps keep it maintained during the winter. Whether you’re keeping it in a shed or your garage, here’s what you should do:

• Empty the gas tank
• Keep the surface around and underneath the lawn mower clear of debris
• Remove the battery from any battery-powered mowers
• Disconnect spark plugs on four cycle engines to prevent automatic startup
• Remove the blades from your lawn mower
• Maintain your blades to ensure they remain sharp and avoid becoming dull
• Lubricate your mower with fogging oil to prevent internal damage
• Replace air filter if necessary
• Pull on starter rope and release to prevent air from damaging the equipment’s cylinder engines.

Outdoor Lawn Mower Storage Ideas

Like we mentioned before, consider placing your lawn mower inside of a tent. Make sure the tent is clean and free of debris underneath your mower. If a tent is not an option, cover your equipment with specially designed lawn mower covers or tarp.Make sure your cover is waterproof or place it in a position that allows rain to roll away from your mower.Another outdoor option is a stowaway shed that is a lot smaller than overly sized storage shed. Complete with easy-to-open doors, these cubic sheds are ideal for any property of any size. They can be placed just about anywhere and are not too noticeable.

What’s the Best Small Shed for a Lawn Mower?

If you don’t have actual acreage in your yard, you probably just need a shed to store a few garden tools, such as a leaf rake, shovel, hand tools and such. For any size yard, however, you will need a lawnmower of some type and a shed to protect it. You don’t need a huge shed, but you do need something. What small shed will suit your needs?

First of all, the size of your mower will dictate somewhat the size of the shed you need. You’ll probably need a larger shed for a riding mower than for a walk-behind mower, whether gas or electric.

For any mower, you will need a solid, protective shed that will keep it out of the weather and keep it away from moisture that will condense on the metal parts, causing rust and perhaps corrosion on the electronic parts.

For any riding mower, you’ll want at least a five by five-foot space, and probably a larger one to provide some room to move around. Remember that you’ll also want to store other tools in there and maybe some shelving as well.

The main thing is to provide a dry, protected space for your lawnmower. Your gas can be stored in cans or containers made for gasoline, but a better idea is to use as much of it as possible just before storing your mower for the winter. It’s always best to start mowing in the spring with fresh gas, not gas that has been sitting around for months.

Can You Keep a Lawn Mower in a Shed?

It’s fine to store your mower in a shed. Owning a mower is one of the main reasons many people buy a shed in the first place. You can also store it in a basement or enclosed garage. However, if you have a riding mower, the basement may be out. You may find that it takes up too much space in your garage as well. A shed is usually the most common storage solution for a mower over the winter unless it’s small enough to hang from a wall.

Is a Plastic Shed for a Lawn Mower a Good Idea?

A plastic or vinyl shed can be very useful for storing and protecting your lawnmower if you get the right kind. Those made of resin material are usually more resistant to UV rays and the damage they may cause. The walls and roof are usually thick to provide at least some insulation. Plastic sheds usually do last quite a long time as well. Of course, you don’t have to paint them every few years as with sheds with some other types of siding.

One thing you do need to do when seriously considering a plastic shed is to check out those offered by a few manufacturers. While the manufacturers are being more careful in making their sheds out of more quality materials in response to customer needs.

You will still need to look at some samples to check out how they are constructed, how well the parts fit together, and what different models offer in terms of whether or not they come with a floor or at least grooves meant to hold a floor to be installed later.

Many people have had problems assembling plastic sheds in the past because some of the parts just did not fit together as they should have, leaving gaps or even preventing some parts from being connected at all. This problem is being addressed more and more at the factory level in response to complaints, but it still can crop up.

It’s best to deal with a company that has been in business for several years and has a good track record, even if it means paying a little more. A bargain shed is no bargain if it turns out that yours will leak because two of the walls won’t join as they should.

What are the Different Types of Lawn Mower Storage Sheds?

The most popular small sheds are made of wood, plastic or metal. Most small sheds can be purchased pre-built and delivered to your home, then set onto the foundation that you provide. Some home improvement stores offer these. Kits are also available for those handy enough to construct them, especially the plastic sheds.

Inspecting samples gives you a good way to look carefully over the options and see how well each model is constructed. It also solves the problem of estimating how much room a particular-sized shed may be. You may think that a six by six-foot shed is plenty big enough until you actually walk into one.

You surely don’t want to purchase a shed and then wish you had bought a larger one. If you live in your home for any length of time, over the years you will accumulate more and more things that you need to store in it, so getting a shed that seems too large now will not be too large down the road.

With a plastic or resin shed, look for one that comes with a floor or has grooves that allow for a floor to be put in. This will allow you to keep the mower (and other tools) off the ground. Remember that bare dirt absorbs moisture and that it will get into your shed and onto your tools if you have a dirt floor. There are some other options and I go over them in my article What’s the Best Lawn Mower Storage For Outside ?

Do You Have to Drain Gas from Lawn Mower Before Putting in Shed?

It’s a good idea to do this. Leaving fuel in the gas tank over winter leads to problems. Over time, the gas will start to form corrosive deposits on fuel tanks and lines, and carburetors. It also clogs up the fuel filter.

There do seem to be a lot of different methods to deal with the gas in a mower over the winter. The best thing would be to follow the instructions of the company that manufactured your mower engine, which will likely be a different company than the one that manufactured the actual mower.

How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Storage

When storing your mower for the winter, you’ll want to check the battery. Clean any corrosion you see on the battery posts and connectors, which usually looks like a whitish powder. Take care not to get the powder on your skin or in your eyes.

You can use battery cleaners made for this or use an old toothbrush loaded with baking soda. Be sure to protect your eyes and hands when doing this and wipe off the baking soda with a dampened cloth when you’re finished.

Charge the battery fully, then take it into your house and store it in a clean, dry space. A battery charger will save you money over the long run-in order to do this. You’ll want to recharge it before reconnecting it in the spring, and a time or two during the winter if you have long winters, as it does lose some charge even just sitting in your house for months.

Clean all dirt and grass clippings off the mower, especially on the underside. Grass clippings attract moisture over the winter and can be a great place for rust to form. You’ll also want to lubricate the mower and change the oil and oil filter. Check the air filter to see if it needs cleaning or replacement. While you’re at it, go over all the belts to check for damage.

If you have an electric mower, check all the connections and remove the battery. Clean your mower thoroughly before storing. Store the battery in your home, no matter the type. For lithium-ion batteries, check the manufacturer’s instructions on storage and recharging.

You might want to raise up your mower and prop it up by putting bricks under the frame in several places. This will keep pressure off your tires over the winter and keep you from getting flat spots in the tires.

Can I Use Gas Stabilizer and Leave Gas in Lawn Mower?

There does not seem to be any firm consensus about this. If you do leave gas in the tank over winter, it is recommended that you run any old gas out of the mower, then mix stabilizer with fresh gas, and run this mixture through the mower long enough to make sure the stabilized gas has worked all the way through the carburetor and fuel lines.

Some prefer to empty the tank after this, then run the mower out of gas. Others recommend filling the tank back up afterward so there is not enough room for the gas to expand or leave space for humid air to work its way in and contaminate the fuel.

A good rule of thumb is to contact the manufacturer of your lawn mower engine and follow their recommendation if it isn’t already spelled out in the included instructions. Remember that the manufacturer of your mower probably won’t be the same one that built your mower engine. Many brands of mowers, for instance, feature Briggs Stratton engines. You’ll want to see what the engine manufacturer has to say.

Conclusion

Having a shed for your mower and other tools keeps them out of the way when they are not needed. They also provide security, as most can be locked. You won’t be tripping over your mower in the garage or trying to haul it out of your basement in spring. Sheds will pay for themselves over time with convenience and security. They are a good idea for those with yards.

Riding Lawn Mower Storage

Riding Mowers, Lawn Tractors, Zero Turns, Large Riding Equipment.

Basic Storage

Equipment must run and be in good working condition at time of drop off to honor spring 2023 start guarantee. Payment due at time of receiving equipment. All rates are for a block of 7 months storage starting Nov 1st – May 31st, 2023. No pro-rating. After May 31st, monthly storage increases to 40/mo. and will be due at the beginning of the month, starting June 1st, 2023. Additional late payment charges apply. Abandoned property will become property of Matt’s Small Engine Repair following city and state guidelines.

No Free Pick Up And Delivery For Storage Offer. Normal Pick Up and Delivery Fees Apply. See below.

Attachments (Baggers, plows, trailers, etc.) are an additional fee of 25 per attachment.

Tune Up Storage

Equipment must run and be in good working condition at time of drop off to honor spring 2023 start guarantee. Payment due at time of receiving equipment. All rates are for a block of 7 months storage starting Nov 1st – May 31st, 2023. No pro-rating. After May 31st, monthly storage increases to 40/mo. and will be due at the beginning of the month, starting June 1st, 2023. Additional late payment charges apply. Abandoned property will become property of Matt’s Small Engine Repair following city and state guidelines.

No Free Pick Up And Delivery For Storage Offer. Normal Pick Up and Delivery fees apply. See below.

Attachments (Baggers, plows, trailers, etc.) are an additional fee of 25 per attachment.

Save more space by storing all your summer equipment.

get 30% Off!

On your second, third, seventh,… piece of equipment.

(Must be of equal or lesser value of first piece of equipment.)

Need Pick Up and Delivery?

No problem! Matt offers round trip pick up and delivery at a fair price!

95 Round Trip Pick Up and Delivery up to 15 driving miles from the shop. 10 per 5 mile increment after that.

(Sorry, no free radius pick up and delivery for storage)

Not running or Need Service or Repair?

No problem! Matt can add additional services and repair during storage time too! Just let Matt know.