Tarp or other such waterproof cover *when it's raining*, but you want to uncover as soon as reasonably possible after the rain. If you just leave the tarp on, whatever moisture and condensation do get on it won't be able to evaporate very well. Also, sunlight can deteriorate rubber & vinyl, but if you're only talking 6 weeks, that's probably a non-issue. Finally, take the key out so that neighbor kids don't take it for a ride. ;-)

Jon, Thanks. How I wish it had a key, but is just a self-propeled model. A further question: could I rig an elevated cover, have some tall metal things I use for supports in the garden, and not have to uncover it? Our rains are frequent and not predictable.

One thing I know NOT to do is toss a heavy vinyl trash bag over it right after mowing. Found that out the hard way.

Last year I purchased an inexpensive Barbeque cover on sale at my local box store, wrapped it around my mower and it sat outside all my Idaho winter..

Cover was less than $10 I think.

coach, will go looking for a grill cover - like this because there's a shape to it, will adapt well.

Appreciate y'all's help! Now just waiting for the leaves to start falling!

Rosie

I lived in a house without a shed or garage for about 4 years and the mower lived under a tree, covered by a shaped cover. I thought it was made for mowers, but it may have been a grill cover. The mower was still fine when I moved, no rust or anything like that. That was in OH, so if trying it here, I think mildew might be an issue and would not put it in the shade for that reason.

Don't'cha just LOVE those shredded leaves?! WTG!

There are covers made for mowers that are nicely shaped to fit. I bought one with my new lawn mower which is living under my deck right now. I'll probably bring it into the breezeway for the winter. Google 'lawn mower covers' and you'll get lots of hits.

Claire

Thanks, Claire and purple. I swear, why didn't I think of googling? Will consider getting one specifically made for mowers......or to save myself some bucks, may just leave in the garage instead of the shed. My prob is getting in and out of the shed. Appreciate your responding!

Rosie

I am in Minn. and at one place have to leave the mower and tiller outside.

I simply bought two large plant tubs, the one near three feet across and put it over the engine when I am done.
They are out all winter.
I use use straight 30 oil which made starting in the late fall difficult.
If I mowed in Nov. which I have done, I usually had to take the mower into the kitchen to warm up.

No more rust or any other problems than with one I keep in a garage.
These are walk behind, mo assist items.

I'd be more worried about the fuel system (tank, carb, etc.).

Gas goes bad n can wreck havoc on a small engine.

Here's what I do - the last time you use it for the season, shut it off, let it cool a bit, remove the gas cap, dump out any leftover gas (hopefully a tiny amount since you didn't top it off before your last use). Replace the cap, make sure there is no gas on the outside or on the ground underneath, start it up and let it run till it runs out of gas. Now the carb float bowl is empty.

That last mowing is sometimes in cold weather, and mine doesn't like to start. I've been known to remove the air filter and point a hair dryer into the inlet to give it some warmer air.

You might consider putting something under it like plywood, a piece of sheet metal, or plastic sheeting, to reduce rusting of the undercarriage. And spray the bottom down with WD-40 after the last use.

tox, like the tip about using a hair dryer almost as well as RpR's idea of just bringing it into the kitchen! LOL

And tox, although I'll store for the winter will use your tip of spraying with WD-40.

Trees turning here. The dogwoods are the most beautiful, especially the wild ones growing as understories in the woods around here. Hopefully will be mulch mowing lots of leaves soon.

Sure do appreciate all the tips and advice.
Rosie, Sugar Hill, GA

I use 10W30 instead of 30 oil in the fall. Also, Stabil is added to gas as soon as purchased in a container. Change/clean/check the air filter every hour instead of once or twice a year if you are going to use it for shredding leaves. Found mine packed with leaf debris once when using the mower to shred leaves.

A old Gore-tex jacket might be a better cover than a non-breathable piece of plastic.

I used a kiddie pool for years, after my children outgrew it.
My brother just leaves his tiller at the end of of the garden year around. Never had a problem with it in 5 years.
Knock on wood.