8 Handy Tips for Moving a Lawn Mower

You might not think of your lawn mower as something that you need to worry about when you’re moving, but if you don’t prepare it properly, it can cause serious problems on moving day. 

If you want to keep your lawn mower in one piece and avoid buying a new one, check out these tips below to learn how to move your lawn mower to your new home.

1. Clean the Mower First

Before you pack your lawn mower, be sure it is clean. Use an air hose and brush to blow out any leaves, sticks, or grass that might be stuck in hard-to-reach areas. If your lawn mower has removable parts (like blades, covers, and belts), remove them before cleaning. Then, clean under all parts with soap and water and let it dry completely before storing.

2. Remove the Blades

You’ll need to remove all of the blades from your lawn mower before preparing to move it. To do so, turn off and unplug your lawn mower and use a wrench to loosen each blade bolt before removing it completely. Make sure you mark down where each bolt belongs. When installing your blades again later, be sure they’re facing the original direction.

3. Drain All of the Mower’s Liquids

Many lawn mowers feature two major reservoirs: one for water and one for gasoline. Be sure to drain these liquids as well as any coolant, oil, or transmission fluid before moving your machine. If you are not sure how to do so, refer to your owner’s manual or watch an instructional video.

Ensure all fluids are drained completely and stored appropriately in plastic containers that you can seal before moving.

4. Disconnect the Spark Plugs

Disconnecting spark plugs will prevent accidental starts and any possible damage during transit. If your lawn mower has batteries in it, you'll want to take them out prior to transporting it—especially if you're going on a long trip. 

Start by disconnecting the spark plugs and then either coil them up and put them in your glove compartment or keep them in a small plastic bag. Next, make sure there are no gas leaks.

5. Secure Any Loose Parts

Be sure that you have removed all of its removable parts, such as wheels and grass bags. This step will make transporting the mower much easier. If necessary, use zip ties or another type of fastener device to secure these parts in place until you are ready to reinstall them on your lawn mower after transportation. Doing so will ensure that they don’t get lost or damaged accidentally during the move.

6. Rent a Moving Truck

Renting a moving truck is the recommended way to transport large items like lawn mowers safely and securely. That way, you can ensure you have a dependable vehicle with enough gas and space for all your items, plus it can handle the weight of your mower.

7. Hire a Professional to Load and Unload the Mower

If you really value your lawn mower, why not hire a professional to load and unload it? Hoisting a lawn mower onto a pickup or moving truck will inevitably cause some stress to both mower and operator, so it’s safer to hire a professional to get the job done.

Contact a moving company near you for a quote on how much they will charge to prepare your lawn mower for moving, load it into the moving truck, and help you unload it. 

8. Secure the Mower

Before you close up the moving truck, remember to secure it using tie-downs. Though using straps is often optional on shorter trips, they are important when transporting lawn mowers over long distances as they'll help make sure that your cargo doesn't shift in transit. Front wheel forks must be strapped down so they don't point toward any other cargo while traveling.