March
21, 2002
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 http://www.exmark.com/safetypop.htm.
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.