Many of us like to keep our lawnmower in the garage as it’s secure and often has plenty of room. But how do you store it properly so it doesn’t become a safety risk through gas fumes or becoming a trip hazard for example?
As long as you have the space alongside any vehicles, a detached garage is a great place to store most types of lawnmowers. Requirements will vary but some machines can be stored by hanging them vertically on the wall while others will need dedicated floor space. Garages attached to your home can also be used as long as any gas is drained from the mower fuel tank to avoid the risk of explosion from fumes.
In this article, I’m going to delve into the best ways to store various types of mowers in your garage. Keep reading to find out which models you can hang vertically on the wall and why some must be kept flat on the floor to avoid damage.
Safely Using Your Garage Space For Lawnmower Storage
Garages are great for storing all your garden equipment as well as your car. They have easy access and are very secure plus if your garage space is big enough, have plenty of room without anything getting in the way.
You might prefer this to erecting a shed in your yard, but it’s important to take a few things into consideration first though to make sure you’re not going to risk damaging your car or home.
Is It Safe To Store a Lawnmower In Your Garage?
The main thing to look out for when using your garage depends on whether it’s a separate building or if it’s integrated into your living space.
If it’s built on its own away from your house then you can safely store your lawnmower with gas in the tank. However, if the garage is attached then you will need to drain the fuel before putting it away so that gasoline fumes do not enter your home.
When storing a mower with gas onboard, you must also make sure it’s well away from any sources of ignition such as furnace pilot lights and electrical appliances. If you aren’t sure how to store gas for your mower, you can read my article on this very topic here.
Do You Have Enough Room?
The space you have will determine your options for storing your mower. Measure the available space and identify any potential obstacles like low-hanging beams or pipes.
A great tip is that organizing your garage with a focus on lawnmower storage can free up space and make the area safer.
If you’re also storing your car or truck in your garage make sure you have enough space for your lawnmower without it restricting access to your vehicle. It will really make a difference if you can easily get the mower in and out without having to move the car as well.
Also, having to step over your lawnmower every morning to reach your car is not fun at all, so keep that in mind while deciding where to store it!
Garage Storage Requirements For Different Lawnmowers
Lawnmowers come in all shapes and sizes, and each type can be stored in different ways:
Manual Push Mowers
Manual push mowers are usually more compact, providing more flexibility when it comes to storage.
If space is limited, consider storing your push mower vertically by hanging it on the wall. Heavy-duty wall-mounted hooks or brackets can work well for this purpose.
You can also store your push mower horizontally on a sturdy shelf or under a workbench if the handle can be removed or folded.
Gas Powered Push Mowers
Push mowers with a gas-powered engine will usually need to be stored flat on their wheels as they will have oil in the sump and possibly gas in the tank.
Measure the mower’s dimensions to gauge the amount of floor space you will need, taking into account any permanently attached add-ons. Remember to allow for the handle if you don’t intend to remove or collapse it when storing between mowing sessions.
Electric Push Mowers
Electric mowers, whether corded or cordless, can be stored vertically or horizontally, the same as manual push mowers. Their engines do not have any oil in them so it’s safe to hang them on the wall if needed.
For corded mowers, ensure the cord is safely stored to avoid damage and for cordless mowers, make sure to remove the battery before storage. Store batteries in a cool, dry place. It’s also a good idea to charge it fully before storage to prolong its life.
If you aren’t sure how to store a lawnmower’s battery, you can find some useful tips in this article.
Riding Mowers
Riding mowers, whether lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, or any other type of sit-on machine, require more space.
You’ll need to account for both the mower’s size and the additional room needed for moving it in and out of the garage. The best option is often a dedicated spot on the garage floor, preferably near the garage door for easy access.
Remember that you will need to be able to drive these machines into place as they are far too heavy to lift. Storing these machines in the garage is usually only an option for people with huge garage buildings, or at least multiple parking spots.
Choosing The Right Storage Solution
Once you understand your lawnmower’s specific storage needs, it’s time to implement a solution.
Using Wall-Mounted Hooks and Brackets
These work great for push mowers without a gas-powered engine to get them up off the floor. Ensure they’re securely fastened and can bear the weight of the mower.
There are even some new gas models available now that allow you to store them vertically although they still need to be standing on the floor.
Be aware that for wall-mounted hooks you will need to lift the mower into place so only choose this option if you’re physically able to do that (or have someone around who can do it for you).
Shelving Units Or Under-Workbench Storage
If you’ve got sturdy shelves, these can be perfect for manual push mowers and all types of electric mowers as long as you can lift the mower onto them or have a ramp that you can use to roll them into place.
It’s also possible to fit most types of push mowers under a workbench if you don’t have room elsewhere, but you will probably need to remove or collapse the handle first.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a straightforward guide to storing different types of lawnmowers in your garage. Remember, the key is to understand your lawnmower’s specific storage needs and choose a solution that works for your space.
Time to get your garage cleared out and organized!