Recall: Manco Products, Inc Recall of ATVs

October 1, 2002 Alert #03-501

CPSC, Manco Products, Inc Announce Recall of ATVs

PRODUCT: ATVs - Manco Products, Inc., of Ft. Wayne, Ind. is voluntarily recalling approximately 950 four-wheel drive All Terrain Vehicles for the 2002 model year. The recalled ATVs are the Agritrax 8260 and Talon 8260-01. The model carries the identifications "Talon" or "Agritrax" on both sides of the bodywork. True Value Hardware, Ace Hardware and some outdoor power equipment dealers sold these ATVs from March 2002 through July 2002 for between $2, 999 and $3,299. The ATVs were manufactured in China.

PROBLEM: The hose barbs that are used for the fuel fittings on the bottom of the fuel tank may have been overly tightened and possibly the wrong sealer was used during assembly. This can cause the threaded joint to fail and the sealer to not adhere to the joint itself. Fuel can drip from the tank, posing a fire hazard. In addition, there was a casting flaw in the aluminum housing on the front suspension. This could cause the front wheel to come loose from the connection point, causing the rider to lose control of the vehicle.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and contact their local Manco Products, Inc. dealer to schedule a free repair or to receive a full refund. For more information, consumers should call (800) 293-0795 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.mancopowersports.com. Owners of these ATVs have been directly notified about this recall.