Alternate Ideas For Your Rigged Riding Lawn Mower Cover

If you read the article about an alternate approach to a riding lawn mower cover welcome. But there are some more things you can do to keep your riding lawn mowers protected and out of the elements during the off-season.

One you might put bricks under the exterior grade ply wood your riding lawn mower will sit on all winter. Reason being the air flow that allows will keep the moisture moving.

For even more protection from moisture, cover the plywood with heavy plastic. This is important so don't skip it. Just tack it securely to the wood to create a an effective moisture barrier. One that keeps moisture from wicking thru the wood somehow and into any riding lawn tractors stored this way

Also make sure you put your riding yard mower storage set up away from shrubs. Again think air flow.

Another thing about tarps or other riding lawn mower covers. You don't want to just drape the tarp over the mower and then have some of it laying the ground. The big idea is to leave a good five or six inches of space between the riding lawn mower cover and the plywood. That way you'll keep the snow and rain off your mower yet allow for ample ventilation.

Of course if you've done a good job you've just created a critter home waiting to happen. For that reason mothball the engine compartment to discourage mice and such from setting up shop.

Alternate Riding Lawn Mowers Storage Tip: Rubbermaid makes a nice little 5ft tall shed that you could use. They run about $300 more or less. I've seen them at Home Depot and it will likely just fit the tractor nicely.

Finally before you tarp up do a few more things

For one, just like a car, don't forget to put the mower on blocks so the tires aren't supporting all that weight for five months.

Unhook and store the battery - indoors if possible.

Also drain or run the gas out of the gas tank. Change the oil. And for added protection grease all fittings and moving parts.

Your riding lawn mower cover doesn't have to be fancy custom fit job. But you do want to take a few additional precautions like those I've laid out here to insure your mower will be ready to go next Spring.