Recall: Lariat II Riding Lawn Mowers Warning

Note: Firm out of business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Originally issued November 4, l987; Revised May 2, 2002
Release # 87-067

CPSC Warns Of Potential Braking Problem With Lariat II Riding Lawn Mowers

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Roof Manufacturing Company of Pontiac, Illinois announced a program to alert consumers to a potential braking problem with the company's Lariat II riding lawn mowers.

The Commission is aware of one death associated with the Lariat II riding lawn mower.

The power and braking for the Lariat II are supplied through the left rear wheel of the mower. This wheel is held onto the axle by retaining ring. This ring slip, over the axle and fits next to and to the outside of the hub of the left rear wheel. This retaining ring has two "set screws" which must be securely tightened to insure the continued braking ability of the mower. If the retaining ring comes loose from the axle, all braking ability is lost and the user might lose control of the mower.

Roof Manufacturing contacted all dealers, distributors and known consumers to alert them to the necessity for tightening these screws and to provide them with a decal to attach to the mover to remind the consumer to retighten these screws if the retaining ring is ever removed for maintenance.

If you own a Lariat II riding lawn mower, contact your dealer to get the necessary wrench to make the adjustment and a decal for their mowers. The firm is no longer in business and cannot be contacted to get these items. To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety information call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.