How to Move a Lawn Mower

No one likes the task of moving a lawnmower. It’s heavy, awkward and there is usually no good place to store it in your garage or shed. If you’ve got kids, they probably want nothing more than for you to take up this challenge because they know how much fun it is to push around with their feet on the back wheels while making engine noises like an airplane. But if you do have some space available and don’t mind doing a little work now and then, read on!

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Decide if you need to replace your Lawn Mower

The first thing to consider is whether it’s a good idea to move your lawnmower at all. In other words, you might want to consider buying a new one instead of moving the old one. If your lawnmower is damaged for any reason, it’s going to be harder to get it from point A to point B. You may have trouble pushing or pulling it and doing so might damage your lawnmower even more. If you’re wondering if you need to replace your lawnmower or not, keep reading for tips on moving it.

Here are the major advantages and disadvantages of moving a lawnmower to a new house, to assist you to make your decision.

Advantages of Moving a Lawn Mower

There are several advantages of moving a lawnmower such as

• The advantage of moving instead of buying a new one is that your old mower may still operate effectively, and if you move it to a new house, you’ll save money
• You will be able to use it right after moving it to cut the grass
• You’ll continue to use the gardening equipment you are familiar with

Disadvantages of Moving a Lawn Mower

On the other hand, there are also numerous problems associated with moving a lawnmower including

• The main disadvantage of moving instead of buying a new one is that your old mower might not have enough power to cut the grass. If your lawnmower doesn’t work properly after moving, you might have to spend a lot of money on buying a new one
• You will not be able to use it right away after moving because you need to set up where it will live
• You may end up taking twice as long to mow the lawn with your old mower
• It might cost you more than it would buy a new one

Also Read: How to Move a Couch

How to prepare a lawn mower for moving

You can’t just put your lawnmower into a moving vehicle the way you left it after working with it. You should not do it for a variety of safety reasons, either. To transport a lawnmower safely, you must first prepare it appropriately.

Here’s how to prepare a lawnmower for moving:

Do not try to lift the lawnmower yourself – ask for help. The best way to transport a lawnmower is by using a truck and ramps. If you’re unable to use these things, get help from your friends or family members. Moving a heavy object like this alone is nearly impossible.

Drain all liquids from the lawn mower

Gas is beneficial because it helps with transporting the lawnmower, but you don’t want to spill any on your sidewalk or driveway. If you have a push mower or something similar, simply remove the gas cap and let all of the liquid flow out. This way, you can transport it in your vehicle with no issues. If you have a riding mower, you’ll need to get rid of the fluids while the lawnmower is not running.

Clean your lawn mower

Clean the lawn mower before taking it to your new house. You can either sweep, dust, or spray down the mower with a hose to remove any debris that got stuck during use. Wipe off any water before reconnecting the spark plug wire, and tighten all bolts and screws. This is an important step because if the lawnmower starts leaking oil or gas after you’ve moved it, it can create a hazard.

Cleaning up around the blades of grass. All debris and small pieces of weeds and grass should be cleared from around the blades of grass. This will not only make your lawnmower look better, but also ensure that you don’t damage the blades when moving. Make sure to replace any parts that have been removed earlier, such as the spark plug and air filter.

Also Read: How to Move a Mattress

Cover the blades before moving

You should cover up or remove the lawnmower blades before you move because they are sharp and might cause injury. If you have a riding mower, this will be difficult to do because the blades are under the hood. In this case, try to drive carefully and cover them with something if possible.

Disconnect the spark plug

Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire before moving. This will prevent any accidents that may happen while you’re moving it. It is important because the mower may accidentally start, and this can cause injury or damage to your home. If one of these things happens during the move, you can avoid any trouble that may occur.

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How to pack and load a lawnmower into a moving truck

Safely pack the lawnmower while also protecting it from potential damage. This can be done by following these steps:

• Wrap up all cords and cables so they do not get tangled or damaged.
• Cover up all parts that can be broken easily, such as plastics and mirrors. These things are prone to damage because they look strange under a box or blanket. When people see them moving in, they might not think to take care of where they put it.
• Roll your push lawn mower up the loading ramp and into the back of a pick-up truck or moving van that has been rented.
• To minimize any movements during transportation, position the lawn mower’s wheels perpendicular to the wheels of the moving vehicle.
• Don’t forget to attach the seat belt before you transport it and remove it when you’re done.
• Place a moving cloth over the mower and seal it with packing tape.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Moving Truck?

What not to do when moving a lawn mower

Here are some things you should never do while moving a lawnmower:

• Don’t try to hold the gas tank with your hands – use straps or rope instead. The last thing you want is for the tank to break open and spill gas everywhere.
• Don’t try to carry the mower without any equipment, such as a push. This can be very dangerous because if you slip and fall, you could get injured or damage your lawnmower even more than it already is.
• Don’t put the lawnmower in an area where there’s high heat or extreme cold – this can damage the mower even more. Try to keep it in a cool and dry place, such as inside your home or garage if possible.
• Don’t jumpstart the mower by holding the spark plug wire – this will cause an electrical surge that may kill you or destroy vital engine components.
• Don’t move it backwards because this could damage the mower.
• Don’t continue to use it after moving – you should leave it in a safe place for a while until you’re assured that nothing is going to happen when you start it up again. When you do, make sure to check all of the parts and components before using them or storing them away for longer periods of time.

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How to move a lawnmower by yourself

Before you start, make sure you have the equipment and materials so that you can lift them safely. Once everything is ready, follow these steps:

• Lift the front end of your lawnmower using a floor jack or other lifting device. Make sure to use this one under the handle that is furthest from the gas tank.
• Slide a board under the mower’s handle that’s facing towards you and then lift it with your arms while slowly moving it backward.
• Make sure the lawnmower doesn’t tilt forward – if it does, put another board under its next handle so that it stays balanced while sliding backward.
• Put a few boards on its side and then put a blanket or moving cloth over it. This will protect the lawnmower from damage during transport.
• Place move straps around the mower’s handle so that you can carry it with both hands without worrying about dropping it.
• Lift the mower once again using your floor jack and then place it into the back of your vehicle.
• Secure the lawnmower in place with rope or straps to prevent it from falling over or sliding around during transport.
• Use an engine crane to move the lawnmower if you cannot move it without damaging anything else underneath.
• Attach one end of a chain to the ground and cinch it down so that it’s not loose and hanging around.
• Attach the other end of the chain to a hook on the crane and then tighten it until it can barely move or swing because you don’t want it to snap back into your face.
• Move the arm of your crane up and position it under your lawnmower’s handle. Make sure you are standing next to it when the lawnmower is lifted.
• Lower the crane’s arm slowly so that it doesn’t damage the mower in any way. Once it does, attach a strap around its handle to secure it in place just in case.

Now that your lawnmower has been transported successfully, all that remains is to tie it down with rope or straps before you bring it inside your home or garage. Remember that if anything happened during transport, immediately turn off the mower and inspect its various parts for any damage.

Also Read: How to Move Plants

How to move a riding lawnmower

If you have a ride-on lawnmower, the process of transporting it to a new location will be somewhat different because you have to attach it to a tractor or another vehicle for this task. Do not attempt to drive the lawnmower directly because the pavement could damage its wheels and cause it to malfunction. To save yourself from breaking down at a bad time, follow one of these procedures instead:

• Attach your ride-on lawnmower to a trailer and use a tractor to tow it. If you don’t have a trailer, attach your lawnmower to the back of your riding mower or another vehicle and use that one for towing instead.
• Attach a strap around the handle of your lawnmower and then secure it in place using a hook on the back of a tractor or other vehicle. Pull the lawnmower backward until it is attached securely then pull it forward again to check if it’s still secure.
• Pull your lawn mower inside a wall-mounted carrier with an engine crane
• Attach your riding lawn mower to the back of your truck using tie-downs and straps. Make sure its weight won’t cause any problems and that it can’t move around too much or fall off.
• Pull your riding lawn mower into a trailer using an engine crane and attach the straps to secure it in place. Once again, check if it’s secure, and then pull your lawnmower backward and forwards repeatedly before you finally drive off.

Also Read: How to Move a Piano Up Stairs or Down

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Conclusion

The process of moving a lawnmower can be somewhat complicated. The most important thing is to keep in mind that if something happens during the transportation process, turn off your lawnmower immediately and inspect its various parts for any damage. If you have a ride-on lawnmower then this task will require more work because it has to be attached to another vehicle or trailer before being towed. Make sure there are straps around the handle so that it doesn’t move too much while driving and remember: when in doubt, call an expert!

Also Read: How to Start Packing to Move

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you transport a lawn mower?

To safely transport a lawnmower, consider the following: Transport a lawnmower in a box that is tailored to its size (the fewer free spaces remain after putting the machine in the box, the better). Read the article to know more about it.

Can you tip a lawn mower on its side?

Yes, it’s ok but you need to keep the carb side up so the oil doesn’t drain into it. Gas shouldn’t leak out if all parts are working correctly.

Will a lawnmower cause an explosion if left in the sun?

No, not really, but it will overheat and damage other parts so it’s best to avoid leaving your lawnmower outside, especially during hot weather. This article can give you more information on this subject.

How do you move a riding lawn mower indoors?

Riding lawn mowers can be attached to a tractor and pulled inside. It’s also possible to use either a wall-mounted carrier or an engine crane to pull it in using straps and tie-downs

Also Read: How to Move Recliner

Written by
Alex Sherr

Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.