Lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, snow blowers, tillers, log splitters, and other outdoor power equipment represent a significant investment. Storing these machines outdoors, inside open sheds, or under carports exposes them to rain, UV rays, dirt, and changing temperatures that accelerate wear and rust.
A durable, properly sized tarp provides dependable weather coverage without creating unnecessary bulk. Below is a complete guide to selecting the right tarp material, thickness, size, and storage practices for your machinery.
Why Protect Outdoor Equipment with a Tarp?
Even machinery built for rugged use suffers under prolonged environmental exposure. Using a quality protective tarp shields your investment from:
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Direct Weather: Heavy rain, standing moisture, light snow, and frost
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Sun Damage: UV fading, plastic embrittlement, and hose degradation
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Debris & Wildlife: Tree sap, falling leaves, wind-blown dirt, and bird droppings
Unlike permanent sheds, tarps offer lightweight, flexible, and seasonal protection that you can easily move, fold, and reuse across different tools throughout the year.
Best Tarp Materials for Power Equipment
Selecting the right material depends on your storage environment, exposure level, and expected duration.
Polyethylene (Poly) Tarps — Best for Direct Rain Exposure
Poly tarps are the industry standard for outdoor machinery. They are 100% waterproof, lightweight, UV-treated, and available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. Use poly tarps for push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turns, tillers, generators, log splitters, and construction tools kept in exposed areas.
Canvas Tarps — Best for Sheltered & Indoor Storage
Woven cotton canvas tarps are water-resistant and highly breathable. While not suitable for direct, heavy rain, canvas prevents condensation and dust buildup inside garages, pole barns, or covered sheds.
Tarp Thickness Selection Guide
Tarp thickness is measured in mils (1 mil = 1/1000th of an inch). Match your tarp thickness to your storage conditions:
|
Thickness |
Recommended Applications |
Ideal Environment |
Primary Benefits |
|
5 Mil |
Push mowers, small tillers, dust covers |
Sheltered (Carports, open sheds) |
Lightweight, flexible, easy to fold |
|
7 – 8 Mil |
Riding mowers, pressure washers, garden tools |
Everyday outdoor residential use |
Balances durability with easy daily handling |
|
10–12 Mil |
Zero-turn mowers, commercial gear, generators |
Extended outdoor exposure |
High tear resistance; handles wind and rain well |
|
16 Mil |
Heavy machinery, commercial fleets |
Severe climates & winter layovers |
Maximum durability and long-term protection |
How to Calculate Tarp Size
A tarp must cover the top, front, rear, and both sides of your equipment—never base your purchase on floor footprint alone.
1. Measure Machinery Dimensions: Record maximum height, width, and length.
Measure length (front-to-back), width (at the widest point, including extended mower decks), and total height from ground to peak.
2. Calculate Required Tarp Width: Width + (2 x Height).
Multiply the equipment height by 2, then add the overall width. This ensures the tarp reaches the ground on both sides.
3. Calculate Required Tarp Length: Length + (2 x Height).
Multiply the equipment height by 2, then add the overall length to ensure complete coverage from front to back.
4. Select the Next Standard Size Up: Account for hems and tie-downs.
Choose a tarp closest to your calculated dimensions. Excess material can be neatly folded along the base.
Proper Equipment Tarping Procedure
1. Cool & Dry the Machinery: Prevent fires and trapped condensation.
Allow engines, mufflers, and exhaust components to cool completely. Wipe off wet grass clippings, mud, or moisture before covering. Never cover hot or wet equipment.
2. Pad Sharp Edges: Extend tarp service life.
Cover sharp corners, control levers, deck edges, trailer hitches, and handle brackets with rags or foam padding to eliminate friction tears.
3. Position for Water Drainage: Prevent water pooling.
Drape the tarp over the machine. Ensure the central peak allows rain to shed naturally rather than collecting in low spots over seats or engine hoods.
4. Secure Evenly across Grommets: Reduce wind flapping.
Attach bungees or tie-downs through perimeter grommets across multiple anchoring points. Distribute tension evenly rather than pulling a single grommet excessively tight.
5. Maintain Lower Airflow: Prevent trapped ground moisture.
Avoid wrapping the tarp airtight around the base. Leave minor clearance near the ground so ambient moisture can escape, preventing rust beneath the cover.
Seasonal Equipment Storage Considerations
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Spring: Use waterproof poly tarps to block heavy rain, mud, and windblown pollen.
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Summer: Rely on UV-treated poly tarps to stop sun degradation, seat cracking, and sudden thunderstorm damage.
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Fall: Secure tarps tightly to prevent acid damage from decaying leaves, pine needles, and tree sap.
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Winter: Deploy heavy-duty 12–16 mil tarps for snow and ice barrier protection. Periodically clear heavy snow accumulation to avoid crush damage.
Equipment-Specific Guidelines
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Generators: Cover generators only when turned off, cooled, and stored. Never operate a generator with a tarp installed over it due to severe fire and exhaust risks.
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Riding & Zero-Turn Mowers: Always measure deck width extensions and high seats. Use an 8 mil to 12 mil UV-treated tarp for full seasonal coverage.
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Push Mowers: Fold handle assemblies down (where permitted by the manufacturer) to reduce total surface area and tarp size requirements.
Shop Tarp Supply Inc.® today to find the exact tarp size and thickness for your equipment.
Keep Your Equipment Covered with Tarp Supply Inc.®
Protect your lawn mowers, generators, pressure washers, and outdoor power machinery with industrial-grade coverage from Tarp Supply Inc.® We stock a full line of heavy-duty, UV-treated, and waterproof poly tarps sized for every equipment type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tarp thickness for a lawn mower stored outdoors?
An 8 mil poly tarp provides an ideal balance of durability and flexibility for everyday outdoor storage. For long-term or harsh winter storage, upgrade to a 10 mil or 12 mil tarp.
Can I cover a warm or running generator with a tarp?
No. Never cover operating equipment or engines that have not fully cooled. Standard poly tarps melt near hot exhaust systems and pose a severe fire hazard.
Are poly tarps completely waterproof?
Yes, quality polyethylene tarps are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for direct rain protection. Canvas tarps, by contrast, are water-resistant and breathable.
How do I stop my tarp from flapping in strong winds?
Pad sharp corners to reduce drag points, create a sloped peak for water runoff, and anchor multiple grommets evenly around the perimeter using elastic bungee cords.
