Lawn Mower and Tractor News, Recalls

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.

Automakers have begun turning out battery-powered vehicles for eco-friendly drivers, as well as those who hate spending money on gasoline. But it turns out lawn mower manufacturers are slightly ahead of them.

Electric lawnmowers are nothing new, but previous models all got their power through long extension cords that plugged into a wall outlet. Unless you had a postage-sized lawn, or a number of very long extension cords, they weren't very practical.

But the new generation of electric mowers are battery powered and untethered. Once their battery is fully charged, they can handle a good-sized lawn with plenty of power.

More volts usually better

Today's cordless electric mowers use NiCad or lead-acid batteries and can generate 18-36 volts of power. The larger the number of volts, the more mowing you can do between recharges. Most manufacturers say you should be able to mow a one-quarter- to one-third-acre lawn on a single charge.

Not only do the new batteries run longer, many can be recharged hundreds of times before they have to be replaced.

Consumers might be put off, since battery-powered vehicles are much more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, battery-powered mowers are comparable in price to good gasoline mowers. Most major manufacturers now offer one or more battery models.

The Black & Decker 18-inch, 36-volt mower lists for $349.97 at Home Depot. The 14-inch, 24-volt Neutron C5, from DR Power, currently lists for $299.99 on the company's website.

Three features

When shopping for an electric mower, there are at least three features that you should keep in mind. The first is the battery. A larger, more powerful battery will be more expensive, but should allow you to cut more grass between charges.

You'll also need to decide whether you will buy a mower that you have to push or one that is self-propelled. You have the same choice when buying a gas-powered mower but with an electric, choosing a self-propelled model may require more frequent charging.

Just as with gas-powered mowers, you can select an electric model that will mulch the clippings. You can also buy a model that collects the clippings in a bag.

Is an electric mower right for you? It depends on the size of your lawn and to some extent, your values. In the past electric mowers were favored by consumers who wanted to create less pollution. With fuel prices as high as they are, many people buying them today are simply trying to save money.

According to a Yale University study, U.S. consumers use more than 600 million gallons of gasoline to mow and trim lawns every year. In the process, they spill about 17 million gallons. Is electric mowing cheaper?

A dime to recharge

According to DR Power, a manufacturer of both gasoline and electric-powered mowers, the cost of mowing is significantly reduced for homeowners who switch to electric mowing. The company says its Neuton Battery Electric Mowers cost just 10 cents to recharge, and a single charge is sufficient for mowing lawns up to one-third of an acre.

“Battery mowers are ideal for smaller lawns, where expected run times are lower and the grass is mowed more frequently,” said Joe Perrotto, President of Neuton Power Equipment. “Where battery mowers have a hard time is on acre-plus lawns or on off-lawn conditions which require a longer mowing time or more power to get the job done. For those jobs, it’s hard to beat gas power. Even with battery technology advancement, I doubt that battery mowers will overtake gas mower sales in my lifetime, but for the sake of our environment, I hope that they do.”

Electric mowers are also easier to maintain. The drop-in/lift-out battery design on most models makes "refueling" easier and push-button starting takes the strain off your arms and back.

Perhaps because of that, industry reports show sales of electric lawn care equipment are on the rise and project they will continue to account for a growing share of the country's lawn-care equipment sales.

While maintenance is easier with an electric mower, there is still maintenance. After each use the battery should be fully charged. When mowing, you shouldn't completely drain the battery before recharging, since that can significantly reduce storage capacity.

Electric mowers might not be right for every lawn. Perrotto says anything that puts more strain on the blade will cause the battery to drain faster. Long grass or certain types of tough grass can cause this to happen.

"Fortunately with removable batteries, the mower owner can quickly switch out to a fresh battery to continue mowing,” he said.

October 15, 2003

Honda is recalling about 30,000 Harmony Walk-Behind Lawnmowers because of a problem with the crankshaft.

If the lawnmower strikes an object with sufficient force, the crankshaft can bend. Vibration created by a bent crankshaft can eventually result in a fatigue failure of the Roto-stop blade brake control assembly. This can allow the cutting blade to continue rotating after the blade control lever is released, posing a risk of injury.

American Honda has received six reports of broken stop plates. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recalled models are Honda Harmony 21-inch, walk-behind mowers with model numbers HRB216TXA or HRB216HXA. The model numbers are located on a metal plate behind the engine, just in front of the rear discharge opening. These black and red mowers have "Honda Harmony" printed in white on the front.

The mowers were sold at power equipment dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from November 2000 through June 2003 for between $700 and $760.

Honda Lawn and Garden dealers will repair these mowers by replacing the Roto-stopTM mechanism.

To locate a servicing Honda Lawn and Garden dealer, consumers should call American Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or go to the Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com.

July 11, 2006
Husqvarna is recalling about 174,000 lawn tractors because of a fire hazard. The tractors were sold under the Husqvarna, Craftsman, Poulan Pro, Poulan, Weed Eater, Southern States and Murray brand names.

The fuel line on these lawn tractors can separate from the fuel tank outlet. If this occurs, fuel will spill out, posing a fire hazard.

Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc. received 886 reports of fuel lines that separated from the fuel tank outlet and 16 reports of fires related to this issue. There are three reports of minor personal injury.

Recalled tractors' product, model and serial numbers are listed in the chart below. To determine if a tractor is included in the recall, check the lawn tractors' product, model and serial numbers, located on a label under the seat of the tractor.

The tractors were sold at home centers, retailers, hardware stores and dealers nationwide from September 2005 through June 2006 for between $820 and $1,500.

Consumers with recalled tractors should immediately stop using the tractor and contact the applicable firm listed below to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc. toll-free at (866) 284-8872 or visit their Web site at www.husqvarna.com. Consumers with Craftsman-brand tractors should call (800) 659-5917. Consumers with Poulan Pro, Poulan, Weed Eater, Southern States or Murray brand tractors should call toll-free at (866) 284-8872.

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

The Toro Company of Bloomington, Minn., is recalling about 9,000 2015 TimeCutter riding mowers in the U.S. and Canada.

The fuel filters on the mowers can become brittle and fractured, allowing fuel to leak and posing a fire hazard.

The firm has reported five incidents of fuel leaking. No injuries have been reported.

The 2015 TimeCutter riding mowers are red and black, with a gray seat. “TORO” is printed on the front and sides of the mower. A black and white “TIMECUTTER” decal is located in front of the operator seat. The model number and serial number are located on a decal affixed to the frame, under the seat.

The following models are being recalled:

The mowers, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at Home Depot and other hardware, lawn and garden stores nationwide from November 2014, through October 2015, for about $3,400.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mowers and contact the nearest Toro dealer to schedule a free repair. Consumers with registered machines will receive a letter and a fuel filter, and may contact a Toro Dealer if they are uncomfortable with the replacement procedure.

Consumers may contact Toro toll-free at 844-521-2384 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday or online at https://www.toro.com/en/product-safety-information/product-recall-information for more information.

The existing fuel line on these tractors can be misrouted near the ground drive belt or steering gears, which can result in it becoming damaged or cut, and allowing gasoline to spill. This poses a risk of fire and burn injuries to consumers.

The recall was announced in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

WCI says it has received one report of a minor fire and two reports of damaged fuel lines. No injuries have been reported.

There are two models of the tractors being recalled. There are more than 1,500 Ranch King 18.5 HP tractors being recalled, with the manufacturer's ID: RK185H46A. There are more than 150 Ranch King Pro 20 HP tractors being recalled, with the manufacturer's ID: RK20H46A. The recalled tractors' serial number ranges are listed below:

The serial number and manufacturer's ID are on a label affixed to the fender, under the seat. These hydrostatic drive tractors were sold with a 46-inch mower deck. "Ranch King" or "Ranch King Pro" are written on the sides of these tractors.

Quality Farm & Fleet stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee sold these tractors exclusively. They were sold from February 23, 1999 through May 28, 1999 for $1,399 or $1,699, depending on the model purchased.

Consumers should stop using these tractors immediately. Consumers should call WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. to determine if their tractor is part of this recall, and to arrange for a free repair if needed. For more information, call WCI Outdoor Products, Inc. at (888) 677 2995 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. Consumers should have the manufacturer's ID and the serial number of their tractor available when they call.

Many kids who had the arduous task of mowing their parents lawn, clipping hedges, or pulling weeds probably said to themselves, "I'm going to use a lawn care company when I'm older and get my own house."

For many, that proclamation turned into reality, as a lot of homeowners choose to hire companies like TruGreen, and National Grass Cut Inc., because their lives are just too busy for yard-work, or they simple hate doing it.

One would imagine the business exchange between consumer and lawn care company would be quite simple. The consumer obtains a reputable company, an estimate is provided, and the workers come and give your lawn that tidy golf course look. But many times it's not that simple.

Plenty of consumers across the U.S. have reported cases of lawn care companies doing poor yard work, having questionable billing practices, and using harmful lawn chemicals.

A perfect example is the Kansas-based Ryan Lawn and Tree. The company is swimming in a sea of lawsuits claiming it used a harmful herbicide that killed trees, bushes and plants on the yards of several residents.

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit is suing the nationwide company for the sum of $50,000, alleging that Ryan Lawn killed over 75 trees and bushes on his estate.

The landscapers used the controversial herbicide Imprelis, created by the chemical company Dupont. In 2011, the product was pulled by the Environmental Protection Agency, but many companies already used it before it was taken off shelves.

Pay attention 

A report conducted by Ohio State University about selecting proper lawn care service showed that consumers should become well acquainted with the various types of lawn care options and company programs.

The authors of the report say it's imperative for homeowners to select the right company and service for their specific landscape needs. Many companies have a standard or basic package, but what that service actually entails will differ from company to company -- and may not be appropriate for your specific situation.

While some plans may be inadequate, others may have more service than what's actually needed.

The report states that consumers should call at least two to three companies before choosing one.

What kind

The authors of the report also tell consumers to find out how much and what type of fertilizer a company uses, as it must comply with state laws for the amount of nitrogen the fertilizer contains.

For example, Maryland's Nutrient Management Law not only regulates fertilizer use, it makes lawn companies test the soil, and keep records of when and what type of chemicals it uses. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) also makes sure commercial lawn companies properly apply chemicals to yards. Similiar laws are established across the U.S.

Lawn care experts say consumers should ask neighbors or friends for recommendations of yard service companies instead of choosing one blindly. In addition, cost shouldn't be the sole factor in selecting a lawn care company, as better fertilizers and higher-quality service will obviously cost more, but will pay off over time.

Homeowners should know exactly what they want done to their yards before the company arrives, while also staying away from general flat rates. A free inspection should be done to determine the size of your yard, as not one rate should be applied to every yard.

The size of your yard will also determine the proper amount of fertilizer the company should use.

Get it in writing

Consumers rate TruGreen

Additionally, it's important for homeowners to lock down guarantees in writing for things like response times, pricing and materials used.

One should also know the names and faces of who will be working on your yard, as people have reported seeing phony uniformed workers showing up early, saying they're part of the work team.

"A man with a TruGreen logo shirt rang my door bell," said Cheryl in a complaint posted on ConsumerAffairs. "Not knowing him and having seen a 'beware of scammer alert' from the local news, I wouldn't open the door. As he left, he made an inappropriate comment about my talking through the door."

Kudos to Cheryl for listening to her gut instinct.

Consumers should also make sure a company is certified according to state laws, especially if the company is using pesticides.

American Honda Motor Company of Torrance, Calif., is recalling about 24,000 walk-behind 21” lawnmowers in the U.S. and Canada.

The engine stop switch can malfunction allowing the blade to continue to rotate after the handlebar blade control lever is released, posing a laceration hazard.

Honda has received 11 reports of the lawnmower’s blade continuing to rotate after the handlebar control lever was released. No injuries were reported.

This recall involves two Honda models and one Columbia brand electric start lawnmowers with Honda engines and 21” cutting blades. The Honda lawnmowers are red and silver (HRR) and red and gray (HRX). Both have “Honda” on the engine cover. The model and serial numbers are located on the certification label that is affixed to the cutter housing deck behind the engine. Honda recalled lawnmowers are: 

The Columbia brand lawnmower, model number 12ALD33Q897, comes in orange and black. “Honda” is printed on the engine cover. The Honda engine serial number is located on a label on the back of the engine. It is also stamped into the engine block adjacent to the oil filler cap/dipstick. A range of affected Honda engines installed in Columbia brand lawnmowers sold in the U.S. follows:

The Honda brand lawnmowers were sold at Honda Power Equipment dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2013, through December 2013, for between $580 and $780.

Columbia brand lawnmowers were sold at Beaver Valley Supply, Denver, Colo; Lawn Equipment Parts Co, Inc., Marietta, Penn. and at Smiths South-Central Sales Co., Spring Hill, La. from January 2013, through December 2013, for $500.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawnmowers. Honda model owners should contact a Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free repair. Columbia model owners should contact a Honda Engine dealer to schedule a free repair. American Honda is contacting all registered customers directly.

Consumers may contact American Honda toll-free at (888) 888-3139 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. For Columbia brand lawnmowers see www.engines.honda.com and click on Recalls/Updates.

Excel Industries of Hesston, Kan., is recalling about 3,700 Hustler and BigDog riding mowers.

The seat switch can fail to detect that the rider has left the seat, allowing the mower to continue to operate, posing a risk of injury.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the BigDog and Hustler brand riding mowers. The BigDog mower is red with a grey seat and a black roll bar. The words BigDog Diablo are printed below the front of the seat and on the sides of the mower.

The Hustler mowers are yellow with grey seats, have “Hustler” on the front of the footrest and say FastTrak, FastTrakSD or RaptorSD in red on the yellow bar below the front of the seat. The FastTrak and FastTrakSD mowers have a black roll bar. All mowers have right and left steering handles.

The recalled mowers have serial numbers between 13082168 and 14012774 for the BigDog R Diablo, between 13081106 and 14013675 for FastTrak, between 13081129 and 14013689 for FasTrakSD and between 13081376 and 14013882 for Hustler RaptorSD. The serial number appears on a tag located on the left side of the seat platform in front of the fender.

The mowers, manufactured in Kansas, were sold at BigDog and Hustler dealers nationwide from August 2013, to January 2014, for about $4,600 to $8,050.

Consumers should stop using the mower immediately and contact their dealers to schedule an appointment to receive a free seat repair.

Consumers may contact Excel Industries collect at (316) 327-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Exmark Manufacturing of Beatrice, Neb., is recalling about 5,300 Quest ZRT riding mowers in the U.S. and Canada.

The riding mower’s steering assembly can fail and cause riders to lose steering, posing a crash hazard.

There have been nine incidents with the riding mowers, including one back injury.

This recall involves 2009 and 2010 model year Exmark Quest ZRT mid-mount riding mowers. The mowers are red and gray. Exmark is printed on the side and Quest is printed on the front of the riding mowers. The model and serial numbers are on a metal plate behind the seat on the left hand side. The following models and serial number ranges are included: 

About 2,200 Quest 2009 and 2010 ZRT riding mowers were recalled in May 2012 for a different hazard.

The mowers, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at hardware, lawn and garden, rental equipment stores and others nationwide from April 2009, through October 2010, for between $4,600 and $6,000.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mowers and contact an Exmark dealer for a free repair.

Consumers may contact Exmark at (800) 667-5296 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Shivvers Manufacturing of Corydon, Iowa is recalling about 2,011 riding lawn mowers in the U.S. and Canada.

The ignition module can fail to ground, resulting in overheating and melting, posing a fire hazard.

The company has received reports of four lawn mower ignition modules overheating and melting. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves model year 2012, 2013 and 2014 Country Clipper riding lawn mowers. The recalled mowers are equipped with 27-horsepower Kohler Command CV740 or Kohler Courage SV740 twin cylinder engines.

The Command engine is dark gray and has the name and model number on a label on the side of the engine near the air filter. The Courage engine has a black engine shroud and has the name and model number on the top of the shroud. The recalled mowers are steered by either a joystick or two steering arms.

The recalled mowers were manufactured from October 2011, to May 2014, and include the model names Challenger, Charger, Edge, Jazee, Jazee Pro and Jazee Pro DLX.

The following model years and model numbers are recalled: 

The mowers, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at Country Clipper lawn mower dealers nationwide from October 2011, to May 2014, for between $5,300 and $9,500.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn mowers and contact a Country Clipper dealer to schedule a free repair.

Consumers may contact Country Clipper at (800) 344-8237 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Craftsman 3-in-1 high-wheel, gas-powered, push mowers equipped with Honda GCV160 engines and a 21-inch deck. The mowers have a black engine control/bail lever, engine shroud and deck with 12-inch rear wheels and a gray cloth clipping bag.

The Craftsman logo and "GCV 160" are on the top front of the engine shroud. "Honda" is on the top of the pull cord housing cover. The Craftsman logo is also stamped into the rear discharge chute cover and printed on the sides of the clipping bag. "Dust Blocker" and "EZ Empty Bag" are printed on the top of the clipping bag. The first six numerals of the serial number are the manufacture date in the MMDDYY format.

The recalled mowers were manufactured between April 2014 (04xx14) and June 2014.

The mowers, manufactured in the U.S., were sold exclusively at Orchard Supply Hardware stores from June 2014 to July 2014 for about $300.

Consumers should immediately stop using the mower and contact the Husqvarna for a free repair. The company is contacting consumers directly.

Consumers may contact Husqvarna toll-free at (877) 257-6921 Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET.

Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group of Milwaukee, Wis., is recalling about 8,500 Snapper rear engine riding mowers.

The weld on the drive axle can fail resulting in loss of brake control, posing an injury hazard.

The company has received two reports of brake failure, related to failed weld. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves 6 models of Briggs & Stratton Snapper rear engine riding mowers. The mowers are red with a black fuel tank, steering wheel and seat. The name Snapper is printed on both sides of the mower. The model and serial numbers are on a label on the engine platform under the right side of the seat.

The following models and serial number ranges are included: 

The mowers, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at Family Farm stores, Power Equipment Direct and Briggs & Stratton Snapper dealers nationwide from April 2013 through May 2014 for between $1,300 and $2,000.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mowers and contact an authorized Snapper service dealer for a free repair.

Consumers may contact Briggs & Stratton Corporation at (800) 935-2967 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.