Recall: Exmark Manufacturing Recalls Riding Mowers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2002 Release # 02-126

Exmark Recall Hotline: (800) 479-8379 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Exmark Manufacturing Announce Recall of Riding Mowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Exmark Manufacturing, of Beatrice, Neb., is voluntarily recalling about 21,000 Exmark-brand commercial-grade riding mowers. The riding mower's exhaust system can ignite fuel vapors from spilled fuel if the engine backfires.

Exmark has received 15 reports of fires caused when these mowers backfired and ignited nearby fuel vapors. At least one serious burn injury was reported, and two other users reported minor burns. Property damage has varied from minor damage to the machine itself to several thousand dollars damage to other mowing equipment stored nearby.

The recall includes Exmark-brand Lazer Z HP series riding mowers, which are red. They are equipped with 17 to 23 horsepower engines and have mowing decks from 44 to 52 inches. The mowers have independently controlled rear-drive wheels, front casters, and a centrally mounted mowing deck. The brand and series names (Exmark Lazer Z HP) appear on the front of the mower.

Exmark dealers nationwide sold these riding mowers between January 1998 and December 2001 for between $6,000 and $7,300.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled mowers and contact Exmark or their local Exmark dealer to determine if their riding mower's model numbers and serial numbers are included in the recall. The model and serial numbers are visible from the right side of the unit. They are located on a decal on the right side of the controls console. If needed, the dealer will schedule a repair of the riding mower's exhaust system. For more information, contact Exmark at (800) 479-8379 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or write an email to service@exmark.com. Consumers also can go to the firm's web site at www.exmark.com.

Some of these riding mowers previously were recalled in February 2001. Even if consumers previously had their riding mower repaired, they need to contact Exmark for this additional repair.