Recall: Lawn Mowers Recalled by Husqvarna Forest and Garden Co.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2003 Release # 04-013

Company Phone Number: (800) 448-7543 Ext. 3 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Husqvarna Forest and Garden Co. Announce Recall to Repair Lawn Mowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Husqvarna Royal 53S or ROY53INTEK Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers with serial numbers between 24600001 to 31000205

Units: 9,900

Manufacturer: Husqvarna Forest and Garden Company, of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: A loose blade bolt could cause the blade to come loose or the blade adapter to crack, resulting in the blade falling off. Should this condition occur, the operator or a bystander could be injured.

Incidents/Injuries: Husqvarna has received 15 reports of blades coming off, 41 reports of loose blades and one report of a consumer being struck in the toe by a blade.

Description: The walk-behind lawn mowers are gas-powered and have an orange body with a black push-handle. They are capable of being operated with or without a bag attachment. The model number and serial number can be found on a decal mounted above the left rear wheel axle.

Sold at: The mowers were distributed by Husqvarna dealerships and Lowe's Home Improvement Centers from December 2002 through August 2003 for about $500.

Manufactured in: U.K.

Remedy: Contact Husqvarna technical support representatives to receive a free service kit including a new blade adapter, blade bolt, and associated hardware with a complimentary blade to be installed by a Husqvarna dealer.

Consumer Contact: Husqvarna technical support representatives between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday at (800) 448-7543 Ext. 3.