CPSC, The Toro Company Announce Recall of Riding Mowers

Affected

The recall includes Toro-brand Zmaster Z100 series riding mowers. They are red, 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 model names (Toro Zmaster) appear on the front of the mower. Some of these riding mowers previously were recalled in March 2001. Even if consumers previously had their riding mower repaired, they need to contact Toro for this additional repair. Toro Timecutter Z and Wheel Horse residential duty riding mowers are not part of this recall.

The file

Sold at

Toro dealers nationwide sold these riding mowers, between January 1998 and December 2001, for between $6,000 and $7,300.

Product type

Lawn Mowers & Accessories

Made in

Not stated

Recalled by

The Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn.

Incident log

Toro has received 10 reports of fires caused when these mowers backfired and ignited nearby fuel vapors. One serious burn injury was reported. Property damage was limited to varying degrees of damage to the mowers.

What the notice says to do

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled mowers and contact Toro or their local Toro dealer to determine if their riding mower's model numbers and serial numbers are included in the recall. The model and serial number are located on a decal located on the right side of the operating console below the seat. If needed, the dealer will schedule a repair of the riding mower's exhaust system.

For more information, contact Toro at (800) 225-0578 anytime or visit the firm's website at www.Toro.com