Buying guide for Best lawn mower covers
Reliable, high-quality lawn mowers make keeping your lawn healthy and neat much easier. However, they can be a significant investment, so you'll want to take care of your mower in order to get the most from your machine for a long time to come. A lawn mower cover doesn’t cost too much, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your mower in good shape.
A mower cover is a necessity if you don’t have space in your garage or shed and have to store your mower outdoors. It protects the mower from rain, sunlight, and wind, so the components won’t break down when exposed to the elements. Even if you store your mower indoors, a cover keeps dirt and dust off the engine and other parts. You can find covers for both push and riding mowers, so there’s an option for nearly every model.
If you need a durable, well-made cover to protect your mower, determine the best type for your needs by identifying the right size, material, and other features. A good buying guide and quality recommendations can help too.
How to buy the best lawn mower cover
Why you need a lawn mower cover
Before you start shopping for a cover for your lawn mower, you might be wondering if you really need one.
If you’ve invested in an expensive riding mower or zero turn mower, you’ll definitely want to keep the machine in good working order. These machines can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so you want to make sure that your mower lasts as long as possible. However, even if you have a less expensive reel mower, you don’t want to have to replace it frequently because you haven’t taken proper care of it.
A cover keeps dirt, dust, and grass clippings from getting inside the mower and damaging its components, so it continues to start smoothly and run properly. If you store your mower outdoors, it also offers protection from rain and the sun’s rays. It’s especially crucial to keep water out of the mower’s components because moisture can cause rust and other damage. A mower cover can also prevent rodents and other pests from chewing through wires or building nests inside the mower and doing serious damage.
Lawn mower cover types
These covers are available in two main types: indoor and outdoor.
Indoor mower covers are effective for mowers stored in a garage, shed, or other sheltered area. They work well to keep dirt, dust, and pests out of your mower, but they only provide minimal protection against moisture. If you use this type of cover on a mower that’s stored outdoors, it will likely deteriorate quickly and show signs of cracking, fraying or peeling.
Outdoor mower covers are suitable for use on mowers that are stored outside. They can stand up to the elements and even harsh weather conditions. In particular, they offer excellent water protection and can also provide UV and wind protection. These covers can last for many years.
Size
Choosing the right size cover is essential if you want it to protect your mower adequately.
For simple reel mowers, most covers are one-size-fits-all. Many are even adjustable, so you can ensure that it’s as tight as it needs to be to protect the mower.
For a large riding mower or zero turn mower, you can find specific size options based on the size of the mower’s deck. Note the dimensions of any cover you’re considering to make sure that it will fit your particular model.
Material
Lawn mower covers are made of several materials, including cotton, nylon, plastic, vinyl, and polyester. Where the mower will be stored determines the cover material that you need.
Indoor covers are usually made of less durable materials like cotton.
Outdoor covers must be more durable to withstand the elements. That’s why plastic, vinyl, nylon, and polyester are typically used for these covers. Some materials are treated to offer additional moisture, weather, and UV protection. These treatments increase the material’s durability so the cover will last even longer.
If you keep your lawn mower outdoors, opt for a light-colored cover. Light colors reflect sunlight, so the mower won’t get too hot.
Staff
BestReviews
What features should I look for in a lawn mower cover?
Denier rating
To determine how tough and durable a lawn mower cover is, check the material’s denier rating. This rating measures a fabric’s thickness and density, so you can get an idea of how strong it is. In general, the larger the number, the stronger the fabric. A 600-denier fabric is more durable than a 300-denier fabric.
The ratings include a number followed by a D. For example, some lightweight fabrics may have a denier rating of 100D. For a lawn mower cover, you typically want fabric that is at least 300D.
Fit
Securing: Most lawn mower covers have some type of mechanism to hold the fabric in place over the mower. For example, it might be an elastic or drawstring hem, tension straps, or even buckles.
Adjusting: Many lawn mower covers with a drawstring hem or tension straps are adjustable, so you can tighten them if necessary. That makes it easier to secure the cover tightly over the mower and make sure it won’t fall off.
Vents
It’s a good idea to look for a mower cover that has air vents. The vents allow the mower to air-dry in a humid environment or when exposed to moisture to prevent any of the mower’s parts from developing mold, mildew, or rust.
Storage bag
It’s helpful to have a place to store the cover when it isn’t on your mower in order to keep it clean and prevent damage. Some covers come with a storage pouch or bag that protects the cover from dirt or dust while you use your mower.
Color
While the color doesn’t affect a lawn mower cover’s performance, some people choose a cover in a shade they like. Most mower covers are black, but you can find some in other shades like gray, silver, brown, beige, green, or blue.
Did You Know?
Some lawn mower covers are made of marine-grade materials to make them highly waterproof and able to withstand the elements.
Staff
BestReviews
How much do lawn mower covers cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable lawn mower covers are those designed for reel mowers. They typically offer a universal fit and are made of polyester or vinyl. These covers generally cost between $10 and $20.
Mid-range
These lawn mower covers offer options for reel and riding mowers. The reel mower covers are made of higher-quality materials and provide excellent durability. The riding mower covers are generally made of less durable materials, so they’re best used for indoor storage. These covers typically cost between $20 and $40.
Expensive
The most expensive lawn mower covers are designed for riding mowers. They’re made of highly durable, weather-resistant materials for indoor or outdoor use. Depending on the size, these covers usually cost between $40 and $99. Some covers for the largest riding mowers cost more than $100.
In areas that often experience strong winds, a mower cover with buckles is more secure and less likely to blow off.
Staff
BestReviews
Tips
- Let the mower engine cool before putting on the cover. Not all covers are made of heat-resistant materials, so the cover could melt if the mower is still hot.
- Clean dirt and debris off your mower and dry it well before covering it. You don’t want the inside of the cover to get dirty because it can then transfer the dirt back to the mower. If the cover gets wet, it can also grow mold and mildew.
- Secure the cover tightly to keep it from falling off. Use the securing mechanism to tighten the cover so it fits as snugly on the mower as possible. That can help prevent it from blowing off on windy days.
FAQ
Q. How long does a lawn mower cover last?
A. It depends on the type of cover and how well you take care of it. However, you can expect to get several years or more of use from most covers. Simple cloth covers generally won’t last as long as those made of more durable materials like nylon. Covers with a higher denier rating are also more likely to last.
Keep in mind that covers used outdoors will deteriorate more quickly than those used indoors due to the greater exposure to potentially damaging elements.
Q. What’s the best way to store a lawn mower?
A. Ideally, you should keep your mower in a clean, dry location. A garage or shed is an excellent place because it offers protection from the elements and harsh weather. You should still place a cover on your mower, however, because it can keep dirt, dust, debris, rodents, and other potentially damaging substances and critters from getting inside and damaging its components.
Q. What type of maintenance does the cover require?
A. You should periodically hose it down to remove any dirt, dust, pollen, or other debris. If you have a cloth lawn mower cover, you can toss it in the washer when it needs cleaning.
