Murray Riding Lawn Mowers Recalled

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2002 -- Murray Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 89,500 rear-engine riding lawn mowers and about 6,200 mid-engine riding mowers. The fuel tank can crack and leak fuel, posing a burn or fire hazard to consumers.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC).

Murray has received 950 reports of fuel tanks leaking. These leaks resulted in six reports of fires including one report of minor burns.

Rear-Engine Riding Mowers

The recalled riding lawn mowers have 30" cutting decks. The mowers were sold under Murray, Murray Select, Craftsman and Wizard brand names. The brand name is printed on the front or side of the mowers. Model numbers can be found under the seat or on a nameplate on the rear of the mower. Models included in this recall include:

Department and hardware stores, including Sears, Western Auto and Home Depot, sold the riding mowers nationwide from January 1995 through January 2002 for between $700 and $1,200.

Mid-Engine Riding Mowers

The recalled mid-engine riding mowers have 30" cutting decks and the brand names "Murray" and "Yard King" printed on the front. A nameplate under the seat of the mower displays the model number. Models involved in this recall are 309005X10, 309304X8 and 309306X89.

Department and hardware stores including Home Depot and Western Auto, sold the mid-engine mowers nationwide from February 2001 through January 2002 for between $800 and $950.

Consumers should stop using these riding mowers immediately and contact their nearest Murray Service Dealer for a free replacement fuel tank. For more information, consumers should contact Murray toll-free at (800) 246-5896 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.murray.com. Consumers with Craftsman rear-engine mowers should contact Sears toll-free at (800) 659-7026 anytime.