Recall: Grass Bags Used On Electric Lawn Mowers Recalled by MTD Products Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2002 Release # 02-219

Lawn Mower Recall Hotline: (888) 848-6038 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, MTD Products Inc. Announce Recall of Grass Bags Used On Electric Lawn Mowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MTD Products Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 grass bag attachments for its 19-inch electric walk-behind lawn mowers. The lawn mowers have a rear-mounted grass bag that does not seal properly to the rear door of the mower, allowing grass and other debris to be thrown out at the top of the bag. This could result in injury to the operator or bystanders.

MTD Products has not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled grass bags are attachments for MTD electric walk-behind lawn mowers with model numbers 18A-407-000 (red body) and 18A-407-062 (green body). The model numbers can be found on a model plate label on the rear discharge door of the mower. "Yard Machines" is printed on top of the motor shroud.

Home improvement and mass retailers nationwide, including Lowe's, sold the recalled lawn mowers from January 2002 through July 2002 for under $200.

Consumers who have the recalled lawn mowers should remove and dispose of the old grass bag and contact MTD to receive a free replacement bag. Contact MTD customer service toll-free at (888) 848- 6038 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. For additional information, consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.yardmachines.com