How do I protect my lawnmower from rain?

Protecting your lawnmower from rain is important to extend its life and prevent issues like rust, corrosion, electrical shorts, and engine trouble. With some simple preventative steps, you can keep your lawn mower safe from the elements.

Should I cover my lawnmower when not in use?

Yes, you should always cover your lawnmower when it is not in use. Leaving it uncovered allows rainwater to collect and pool on the deck, which can lead to rust and corrosion over time. Covering the mower protects all the components from exposure to moisture.

What is the best way to cover my lawnmower?

The best way to cover a lawnmower is with a waterproof lawnmower cover. Lawnmower covers are designed to fit snugly over the entire mower and protect it from rain, snow, dirt, dust, and other elements. Look for a cover made from durable, weather-resistant materials like vinyl or polyester.

What features should I look for in a lawnmower cover?

Some key features to look for when selecting a lawnmower cover include:

• Waterproof and weatherproof construction to prevent moisture from seeping in
• UV protection to prevent sun damage
• Ventilation panels to prevent condensation buildup
• Elastic hem or drawstring for a tight, custom fit
• Durable fabric that won’t rip or tear easily
• Padding to prevent scratches and dings to the mower’s surface

What if I don’t have a lawnmower cover? What are some alternatives?

If you don’t have a fitted lawnmower cover, some alternatives you can use include:

• A large plastic tarp – Secure it tightly over the mower with bungee cords or weights.
• Outdoor furniture cover – Use one for a table or chair that is large enough to fit over the mower.
• Canvas drop cloth – Drape this over the mower and tie it down.
• Garbage bag – Cover the mower fully with a large plastic garbage bag.

While these options work in a pinch, a fitted waterproof cover is best for keeping your mower fully protected.

Where should I store my lawnmower to keep it out of the rain?

The ideal place to store your lawn mower to keep it away from rain is in a shed or garage. Any covered, enclosed area will prevent exposure to precipitation. Other good storage options include:

• Under a deck or patio
• In a detached workshop
• Under an overhang on the side of a house or building
• In a carport or covered breezeway

Avoid storing your mower anywhere moisture can drip on it, like under eaves or trees. And always cover the mower even when storing in a shed or garage for extra protection.

How can I prevent rain damage if I must store my mower outdoors?

If you have no choice but to store your mower outside, follow these tips to minimize rain damage:

• Cover with a waterproof tarp, anchored tightly at all edges
• Place wood blocks under the mower to raise it off wet ground
• Park mower on a gravel or paved surface, not grass or dirt
• Position away from areas that collect standing water during rains
• Invest in a portable waterproof storage tent or shelter

Also, be sure to wipe any moisture off the mower after rains and allow it to fully air dry before operating.

What can I do to prevent rain rusting metal parts on my lawnmower?

To prevent rain from rusting metal components like the deck, blades, and other parts, you should:

• Frequently lubricate moving parts
• Wax the deck to seal and protect the paint
• Remove collected grass clippings which hold moisture
• Clean and dry the underside after use before storage
• Touch up chipped paint to avoid exposing bare metal
• Replace damaged or worn parts promptly

Regular cleaning, lubrication, and coating surfaces with protectants will help form a moisture barrier against rust and corrosion.

What should I do if my lawnmower gets wet from rain?

If your lawn mower does get rained on, follow these steps:

1. Wipe off any exterior moisture with a dry towel
2. Tip the mower onto its side and wipe under the deck
3. Remove catcher bag and dump out collected water
4. Start the mower and let the engine and blade air dry
5. Lubricate moving parts like cables, wheels, and pivot points
6. Cover the mower and move it into dry storage

Taking quick action to dry the mower can help minimize any long-term issues from water exposure.

Will rain damage my electric or battery-powered lawnmower?

Rain can cause damage to the electrical components in electric and battery mowers. To prevent issues:

• Store indoors and never expose to rain when charging
• Ensure all casing and wiring connections are properly sealed
• Never spray unit with water hose for cleaning
• Avoid wet grass if possible to prevent moisture exposure
• Let unit fully dry out before recharging after exposure

While electric mowers are at higher risk, taking preventative measures can reduce any rain-related damage.

How does rain impact gas lawnmower engines?

Excessive rain can cause problems for gas lawnmower engines, including:

• Water getting into the air filter and restricting airflow
• Rust and corrosion buildup inside the carburetor
• Flooding the interior by entering the muffler or gas tank cap
• Fouling of spark plug making it hard to start
• Dilution of engine oil reducing lubrication

Always tip the mower during storage so the engine sits higher than the gas tank. This prevents gas from getting into parts that need to stay dry.

What maintenance can help prevent rain damage on my lawnmower?

Regular mower maintenance is the best way to prevent damage from rain. Important tasks include:

• Sharpening blades – Sharp blades cut cleaner and are less likely to get bogged down in wet grass.
• Changing oil – Helps engine parts move smoothly and not seize up.
• Lubricating components – Cables, linkages and wheels should be lubed.
• Replacing worn parts – Fix any leaking hoses, cracked covers, etc.
• Cleaning under the deck – Removes clippings that hold moisture.
• Checking tire pressure – Improves traction on slippery wet ground.

Well-maintained mowers are much less prone to problems caused by wet weather.

Should I avoid mowing in the rain?

When possible, you should avoid mowing wet grass in rainy conditions. Mowing soaked lawns can lead to problems like:

• Poor cut quality from blades getting bogged down
• Deck clogging with wet clippings
• Excess moisture collection under deck shell
• Grass clumps and uneven lawn appearance
• Wheel slippage on slopes or hills
• Increased risk of rusting from moisture exposure

Wait for dryer conditions or even a full day after rains to allow the lawn and mower to properly dry out.

When is the best time to mow after rain or morning dew?

The ideal time to mow after rain, morning dew, or other moisture is late afternoon or early evening. This allows time for the sun to dry out the grass and evaporates any collected water from the lawn mower deck. Target a mowing time about 2-3 hours before sunset to ensure the grass and mower are sufficiently dry.

Can I use a lawnmower after rain once the yard is dry?

Yes, once both the lawn and mower have had time to fully dry out after the rain, it is fine to resume mowing. Make sure to inspect the mowing deck and underside to ensure no standing water remains pooled. Also check the lawn – walked across the grass to feel for squishy wet spots.

Should I avoid mowing lawn if thunderstorms are predicted?

It is best to avoid mowing your lawn if thunderstorms are predicted. Here are some specific risks if you mow in stormy weather:

• Exposed to lightning strikes out in open yard
• Wet grass clippings cling under deck leading to rust
• Hurried mowing leads to uneven cuts or missed spots
• Sudden downpour in mid-mow leaves lawn partially cut
• Strong winds blow clippings into unwanted areas

Wait until after the storm passes and lawn has dried to mow. Also inspect mower for any moisture ingress due to the rains.

Can light rain or drizzle cause problems for my lawnmower if I mow?

Even light rain or drizzle can lead to issues if you mow in those conditions, such as:

• Blades struggle to cut wet grass cleanly
• Moisture saturates bagged clippings faster
• Mower deck and hardware begins to oxidize
• Small puddles form on the lawn
• Water leaks through air vents into engine parts

Wait until after the drizzle stops and dryer conditions return to mow for a cleaner cut.

How can I reduce rust damage on my lawnmower from rain exposure?

To minimize rust formation from wet weather, make sure to:

• Frequently wash and wax the mower deck
• Touch up any scratched paint on metal parts
• Spray a corrosion inhibitor on the underside
• Lubricate moving components to prevent seizing
• Remove grass clippings promptly after mowing
• Allow mower to fully dry before storing after rains

Promptly addressing any rust spots by sanding and repainting helps stop further spreading. Periodic rust preventative sprays also protects against corrosion.

What kind of lawnmower is most resistant to rain damage?

The most rain-resistant lawnmowers are:

• Aluminum deck mowers – Aluminum does not rust like steel and is lighter. Decks made fully of aluminum can withstand wet weather well.
• Zero-turn mowers – Their continuous underside prevents grass buildup in corners where moisture collects.
• Commercial-grade mowers – Built of thick gauged steel and high-quality construction, commercial mowers resist moisture ingress in parts.
• Plastic deck mowers – Plastic or coated polymer deck shells do not rust. They perform well in rain when kept clean.

Paying more for higher-end mower construction often pays off with reduced rain vulnerability.

Conclusion

Protecting your lawnmower from rain is easy with proper preventative maintenance and storage. Invest in a fitted waterproof cover, keep the mower in a covered area when not in use, and avoid mowing on overly wet grass. With routine care and cleaning, your mower can handle occasional rain showers with minimal risk of damage.