Thinking about getting a new lawnmower? Before you go and purchase one, it’s a good idea to consider where you’re going to store it first. There are several different types of mowers that all come in various shapes and sizes, so working out how much space you need in your shed or garage is an important step in the buying process.
Storage space requirements for lawnmowers range from an area of around 1.5 x 2 feet of floor space and 2 feet of height for a small push mower with the handles collapsed, up to approximately 6 x 8 feet of floor space and 4 feet of height for a ride-on mower.
In this article, I will go over the space needed for different types of lawnmowers like rotary mowers with detachable handles, reel mowers, and ride-on mowers. I’ll also look at why it’s important to store your mower properly and how organizing your storage area can make all the difference in getting it into a tight space!
How Much Space Does A Lawnmower Take Up?
There are so many different makes and models of lawnmowers these days, it can be difficult to decide what will fit in your shed or garage without measuring it first. To give you more of an idea, here are some approximate space requirements for all the popular types of mowers:
Rotary Lawnmowers with Detachable Or Collapsible Handles
Gas-powered rotary lawnmowers, commonly known as push or walk-behind mowers, are the go-to choice for many homeowners. The handles on these often fold in half just by loosening a couple of fasteners, but if not, all will allow you to detach them completely, which makes storing them way easier.
With the handle collapsed a typical rotary lawnmower requires about 2 to 3 feet in width, 4 to 5 feet in length, and 1.5 to 2 feet in height. This size is perfect for storage in a garage or shed.
If you want to leave the handle attached and complete, then you will need to allow for a space around 6 feet long, 2 to 3 feet wide, and 4 to 5 feet high to fit it in.
You can also use these measurements for electric push mowers as well as they will be very similar overall.
Push Reel Mowers
Reel mowers are the simplest type of lawnmower that usually have no engine and require you to use your own effort to make them work. Their basic design generally makes them smaller and easier to store although the handle is usually intended to stay in place.
A standard reel mower is about 1.5 to 2 feet wide, 2 to 3 feet long, and 4 to 5 feet tall with the handle attached. As these mowers can be stored with the handle upright against a wall, they are excellent for those with limited storage or who want to save space.
If you are new to this type of mower and wondering whether it would be the right choice for your needs, you can check out my article about them here.
Ride-On Mowers
Ride-on mowers, including lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers, have the largest storage requirements due to their size and complexity.
On average, a ride-on mower needs around 4 to 6 feet in width, 6 to 8 feet in length, and 3 to 4 feet in height. Homeowners with ride-on mowers might need to reserve a specific area in a spacious garage or outdoor shed for storage.
Note that you will also need to allow enough access to drive the mower into place as well.
Extra Space For Accessories And Upkeep
Don’t forget to allow additional room for accessories, tools, and equipment required for maintenance. This includes items like grass catchers, mulching kits, and replacement parts.
If you’re going to use the same space to clean and maintain your mower, make sure to leave an extra 1 to 2 feet of space on each side for easy access.
Tips For Organizing and Maintaining Your Lawnmower Storage Space
Even if you’ve only got a small shed or limited room in your garage, there are several ways to create enough space to store a lawnmower:
Remove Clutter and Optimize Your Storage Space
To make the most of your lawnmower storage area, remove any unnecessary items and keep them organized. This will make it easier to access and perform routine maintenance tasks.
This is a great time to spring clean your garden shed or garage and get rid of any old paint cans, oil cans, seed trays, etc.
Take Advantage of Vertical Storage Solutions
Get the best out of your precious space by using vertical storage options like wall-mounted hooks or shelves. This is particularly useful for storing lawnmower accessories and maintenance tools, keeping them within reach while freeing up floor space.
Reel mowers can often be easily stored by hanging them on the wall by their handles as well.
Even some lawnmowers can be stored vertically, though not all of them. I wrote about this in more detail here.
Use A Lawnmower Cover For Extra Protection
Even when stored in a waterproof shed, it pays to invest in a high-quality lawnmower cover to shield your equipment from dust, dirt, and moisture while stored.
Not only does this add another layer of protection in case the roof leaks, but also hides your expensive equipment away from inquisitive eyes.
Why Proper Lawnmower Storage Matters
Proper storage for your lawnmower not only helps keep it in good condition but also secures it against theft and vandalism as well.
Protection From The Weather
Storing your lawnmower in a sheltered area keeps it safe from harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. This helps prevent rust, corrosion, and even engine damage, making sure it lasts for a long time and always runs well.
Safety and Security
Keeping your lawnmower under lock and key is crucial for household safety and preventing accidents. Children and pets need to be kept away from power tools and sharp blades so make sure they can’t get into wherever you store your mower.
Secure storage of your lawn equipment also helps protect it from unauthorized access and reduces the risk of it being stolen or damaged.
Can I Store My Lawnmower Outside?
Short answer – yes. But there are a number of important factors you need to take into consideration before you do so. Outdoor lawnmower storage is a topic on its own so I won’t go into the details here, but you can read my article on outside mower storage if this is what you have in mind.
Conclusion
Properly storing your lawnmower not only helps you maximize available storage space but also improves the longevity and performance of your equipment.
By understanding the space requirements for different types of lawnmowers and providing sufficient space for accessories and maintenance, you can safely purchase that new mower knowing that you have the ideal place ready to store it.