Riding lawn mowers are big investments. Like any large machinery exposed to the elements, proper storage and care will extend their lifespan. Covering your riding mower when not in use protects it from damage and deterioration. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to buy a cover. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of covering a riding lawn mower.
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Reasons to Cover a Riding Lawn Mower
Here are some of the top reasons why you should cover your riding mower:
Prevents Sun Damage
Excessive sun exposure can cause UV damage and fading to your mower’s paint, seat, tires, and other exterior components. A cover blocks sunlight to maintain your mower’s appearance. It also prevents cracking and weathering of plastic and rubber parts.
Avoids Rust and Corrosion
Moisture sitting on the metal parts of your riding mower can lead to rust and corrosion. A waterproof cover protects your mower from rain, snow, dew, and irrigation. This keeps critical components like the deck, blades, and transmission from seizing up or malfunctioning due to corrosion.
Repels Debris and Dirt
Covering your mower prevents accumulation of leaves, grass clippings, pollen, sap, bird droppings, and other debris. Buildup of these materials can clog air intakes and filters. It also attracts rodents that chew wires and nest in the engine. A cover keeps your mower clean between uses.
Deters Insect and Rodent Infestations
Insects like spiders, wasps, and bees can build nests and hives in lawn mowers left outside. Mice and other rodents are also attracted to mowers for nesting spots. They’ll chew through wires, insulation, and hoses. A cover blocks access points to keep pests out when not being used.
Provides Security
Riding lawn mowers are attractive targets for thieves. A cover keeps your mower out of sight and less recognizable. It also blocks access to gas caps, batteries, and other removable parts. Deter theft and vandalism by keeping your mower covered.
Reduces Maintenance
By limiting sun damage, moisture, debris, and pests, a cover directly reduces wear and tear on your riding mower. Less exposure to the elements means you’ll spend less time and money on cleaning, repairs, and replacements. Periodic maintenance is still required, but covers allow you to extend the intervals.
Saves Money
The collective benefits of covering your riding mower translate into serious savings. You’ll reduce expenses on cleaning supplies, parts replacements, mechanical repairs, and even insurance claims. Although covers have upfront costs, they usually pay for themselves over the lifetime of your mower.
Disadvantages of Covering a Riding Mower
Despite the many benefits, there are a few downsides to consider about covers:
Added Cost
Covers are an additional expense, ranging from $30 for a basic vinyl cover up to $150 or more for a heavy-duty, custom-fit cover. While they can save you money in the long run, the initial cost can be prohibitive for some budgets.
Inconvenience
Putting on and removing the cover takes extra time and effort. For regular mowing, you have to remove and replace the cover each session. Leaving it on also means waiting for the mower to dry out if it gets wet before use.
Space Requirements
You’ll need space to store the cover when it’s not on the mower. A riding mower cover can be bulky and difficult to fold up neatly. Make sure you have room in a garage, shed, or closet to keep the cover out of the way when mowing.
Won’t Prevent All Damage
Covers protect against many threats, but they aren’t impenetrable. Rodents can still chew through, heavy debris can dent the mower, and lack of ventilation can lead to moisture buildup. They aren’t a guarantee against all possible damage.
Cover Can Be Stolen
Unfortunately, the cover itself is also vulnerable to theft. The inconvenience of removal makes covers less likely to be stolen than the mower itself. But they can still be an attractive target for opportunistic thieves.
Factors That Determine Necessity of a Cover
Whether or not you need a cover largely depends on these variables:
Where the Mower is Stored
If your mower is kept in a closed garage or shed, a cover is less critical since it’s already protected from the elements. An enclosed space may make a cover redundant unless you’re worried about rodents. An outdoor storage location increases the benefits of a cover.
Local Climate and Weather
Frequent rain, snow, and storms make covers much more useful than in consistently sunny, mild climates. The amount of seasonal leaves, pollen, and grass also varies by region. Evaluate your local conditions to determine if a cover is warranted.
Frequency of Use
If you mow multiple times per week, the hassle of taking the cover on and off may not make it worthwhile compared to just storing it inside between uses. Less frequent mowing makes a cover more beneficial.
Pest Pressure
In rural areas surrounded by wild habitat, rodents and stinging insects are far more likely pests than in manicured suburban lawns. Assess pest risks based on proximity to fields, forests, wetlands, and other uncultivated areas.
Visibility and Accessibility
A mower exposed to public view or access is at higher risk of theft than one hidden behind a fence or garage. Consider how visible your storage location is to passersby when deciding about a cover.
Expense of the Mower
For an inexpensive mower, the cost of a cover could exceed the value of the protection. More expensive riding mowers warrant the expenditure on covers to safeguard your investment.
Recommended Features of Riding Mower Covers
These features make for the most effective riding lawn mower covers:
Water Resistance
Look for waterproof polyester, vinyl, or canvas materials. Avoid porous cotton covers that absorb moisture. Breathable fabrics help prevent condensation buildup.
UV Resistance
Covers that block UV rays help retain the mower’s color and appearance. Look for this feature if sun exposure is a concern.
Ventilation
Small vents allow airflow to prevent moisture trapping while still keeping pests out. Areas prone to high humidity benefit most from ventilated covers.
Durability
Thicker fabrics hold up better to wind, debris, animals, and use over time. Double-stitched seams also enhance longevity.
Security Features
Locking buckles, straps, or zippers deter tampering or removal of the cover. These are worthwhile if theft risks are high.
Custom Fit
A cover specifically made for your mower model will fit tightest. Formfitting covers don’t blow or sag off as easily as generic shapes.
Storage Bag
Have a way to neatly store and transport the cover when not on the mower, like an attached drawstring bag.
Cost Comparison of Riding Mower Covers
Basic Vinyl Covers
– Cost: $20 – $50
– Best for very occasional use or indoor storage
Universal Fit Polyester Covers
– Cost: $50 – $100
– Decent waterproofing and UV resistance
– Fit a range of mower sizes
Custom Canvas Covers
– Cost: $100 – $200
– Durable, long-lasting protection
– Tailored fit for specific mower make and model
How to Use a Riding Mower Cover
Follow these tips for properly covering your riding mower:
– Let the mower fully cool before covering, or moisture can accumulate inside
– Check for debris like grass clippings that could scratch the mower
– Carefully position the cover over the mower, securing all straps
– Avoid dragging the cover over sharp or protruding components
– Tie down straps underneath the mower if it will be windy
– Check fittings periodically and retighten if needed
– Remove cover fully before operating the mower
– Allow the mower to dry out before re-covering if wet
– Store cover out of sun when not on the mower
Conclusion
Here’s a quick summary of when you should buy a riding mower cover:
| Cover Recommended | Cover Optional |
| – Outdoor storage exposed to weather | – Mower kept in enclosed garage |
| – High UV exposure and sun intensity | – Overcast climate, limited sun |
| – Lots of trees, leaves, pollen, grass | – Clean pavement or concrete storage |
| – Rodents, insects in surrounding habitat | – Well-manicured lawn, fewer pests |
| – Mower visible/accessible to public | – Behind fences or blocked views |
| – Frequent rain, snow, and storms | – Mostly dry conditions year-round |
| – Mow every 1-2 weeks or less | – Mow infrequently, 1-2 times/month |
| – Expensive mower model | – Older or budget mower |
Covers are a smart investment that pay for themselves by keeping your riding mower protected. Take into account your local conditions, storage configuration, and mower value when deciding about getting a cover. Follow usage and care instructions to maximize the cover’s effectiveness. Keep your riding mower covered during idle periods to maintain its performance and appearance over the long run.