For Immediate Release
March 21, 2002
Release # 02-126
CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1219
Exmark Recall Hotline: (800) 479-8379
CPSC, Exmark Manufacturing Announce Recall of Riding Mowers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Exmark Manufacturing, of Beatrice, Neb., is
voluntarily recalling about 21,000 Exmark-brand commercial-grade riding
mowers. The riding mower's exhaust system can ignite fuel vapors from
spilled fuel if the engine backfires.
Exmark has received 15 reports of fires caused when these mowers
backfired and ignited nearby fuel vapors. At least one serious burn
injury was reported, and two other users reported minor burns. Property
damage has varied from minor damage to the machine itself to several
thousand dollars damage to other mowing equipment stored nearby.
The recall includes Exmark-brand Lazer Z HP series riding mowers,
which are red. They are equipped with 17 to 23 horsepower engines and
have mowing decks from 44 to 52 inches. The mowers have independently
controlled rear-drive wheels, front casters, and a centrally mounted
mowing deck. The brand and series names (Exmark Lazer Z HP) appear on
the front of the mower.
Exmark dealers nationwide sold these riding mowers between January
1998 and December 2001 for between $6,000 and $7,300.
Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled mowers and
contact Exmark or their local Exmark dealer to determine if their riding
mower's model numbers and serial numbers are included in the recall. The
model and serial numbers are visible from the right side of the unit.
They are located on a decal on the right side of the controls console.
If needed, the dealer will schedule a repair of the riding mower's
exhaust system. For more information, contact Exmark at (800) 479-8379
between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or write an email to
service@exmark.com. Consumers also can go to the firm's web site at
www.exmark.com
Some of these riding mowers previously were recalled in February
2001. Even if consumers previously had their riding mower repaired, they
need to contact Exmark for this additional repair.