Recall: White Outdoor Products Lawn and Garden Tractor Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2000 Release # 01-058

Tractor Recall Hotline: (888) 848-6038 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, White Outdoor Products Co. Announce Recall of Lawn and Garden Tractors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), White Outdoor Products Co., (a subsidiary of MTD Products Inc.) of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 9,700 lawn and garden tractors. The hood latch on these tractors can damage the fuel tank and cause fuel to leak when the hood is raised and lowered, presenting a fire and explosion hazard.

White Outdoor Products Co. has received one report of the hood latch damaging the fuel tank. No reports of fuel leaks, fires or injuries have been received.

The riding lawn and garden tractors involved in the recall are year 2000 models, with 42, 46 or 50-inch mower decks, 16 to 25 horsepower engines and a foot pedal speed control. A blade can be attached to the front of the tractor for use as a snowplow in winter. The tractors included in this recall are red and gray two tone in color.

The model numbers included in the recall are: 13A0616G190, 13AT606H190, 13AT616H190, 13AJ616H190, 14AJ816H190 and 14AZ816P190, manufactured between November 1, 1999 and August 8, 2000. White Outdoor Products Co. will help consumers identify if their tractor is a part of the recall. Consumers will need to write down the tractors model and serial numbers, which are located under the seat of the tractor.

White Outdoor Products Co. dealers nationwide sold the tractors from November 1999 through December 2000 for between $1,600 and $3,400.

Consumers should stop using the recalled tractors immediately and contact White Outdoor Products Co. to verify their unit is part of the recall. If recalled, consumers will receive a replacement hood latch and fuel tank inspection instructions. White Outdoor Products Co. can be reached at (888) 848-6038 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Lawn and garden tractors that have a green "X" next to the model number are not included in this recall.