A riding lawn mower can make mowing large acreage much more efficient and enjoyable.
However, a riding tractor needs to be stored in a shed in order to protect it from the elements, and choosing the correct shed can sometimes be tricky.
The size and construction of the shed are both important factors to consider before selecting the perfect shed for your mower.
Choosing the Correct Size
The shed size you’ll need for your mower depends on the size of the riding mower itself. Riding lawn mowers can be found in a variety of sizes, so you’ll want to check the dimensions of your brand and model before committing to any particular shed.
However, in general, riding lawn mowers can range from 3 to 5 feet wide and can be as much as 6 or 7 feet in length. This means that you’ll need a large or extra-large shed for your riding lawnmower.
Depending on your riding mower’s size, you’ll probably need a shed that’s at least 8 by 8 feet. This will give you enough room to ride the mower in, park it, and maneuver around it when necessary.
Larger options, such as a shed with dimensions of 10 by 10 feet or 8 by 12 feet, are an even better option if you have space. Sheds in this size allow for plenty of maneuverability, and the extra space means you won’t need to worry about having enough room for additional yard tools or any equipment or accessories the riding lawn mower requires.
Types of Sheds
There are several different types of sheds to choose from, including metal, wood, and plastic sheds, and each shed has a particular design and different features. Which shed to choose not only depends on what size you’ll need but also what features you might want and what your personal taste is.
When it comes to things to consider, remember that not only will your shed need to be wide enough to house your riding lawn mower, but the door will need to be wide enough to accommodate the mower.
It’s also important to remember that you most likely won’t be able to turn the riding mower around inside, but instead will simply pull it in and back it out. This means you’ll need a shed that has its largest door at one of the short ends, so you have the full length of the shed to work with.
Some sheds feature two doors, which can make accessing your items or mower more convenient.
You may also want to choose a shed that’s tall enough for you to stand up in. This will make accessing the mower or other tools much simpler and more comfortable. High-wall barn sheds and A-frame sheds are both larger sheds with a tall design, so accessing your mower and any other yard tools isn’t an issue.
Ramps
Sheds are often elevated slightly off the ground due to their footprint, so you’ll need a ramp to drive your riding lawn mower into the shed, even if the shed door is only a few inches higher than the ground.
The ramp should be made of durable, sturdy materials that can support the weight of the mower. The ramp will also need to be wide enough for the mower, and long enough that it can evenly disperse the weight of the mower.
While you can build or purchase your own ramp, some sheds come with matching ramps specifically designed for use with heavier equipment.
A shed that is either 8×8 or 10×10 feet will be a suitable size for most riding lawn mowers.
Reinforced Floors
Riding lawn mowers can be incredibly heavy, and because many sheds are slightly elevated off the ground, you’ll need to ensure that the floor is sturdy enough to support that weight. Choose a shed with a reinforced floor in order to avoid damage.
Shelving and Vents
Sheds are an excellent way to keep not only your riding mower but any other yard or pool equipment out of sight and safe from the elements. Many sheds feature built-in shelving systems and may also feature places to hang tools, rakes, or shovels.
You can always choose a slightly larger shed to accommodate other yard necessities, but opting for a shed with shelving can make organizing everything much easier.
Some larger sheds also feature a loft, so you can store larger seasonal items without having them in the way.
You may also want to consider a shed with vents. While some sheds have windows, others are more simply constructed and feature no openings aside from the door. Vents are an excellent option, however.
Gas-powered riding lawn mowers leave behind exhaust, and even if you push the mower into the shed, fumes can still linger. Vents near the roof of the shed can help to clear out any gasoline smells.
This is also a good way to ensure proper ventilation if you’re storing any other chemicals, such as fertilizer or chlorine.