Originally issued November 4, l987; Revised May 2, 2002
Release # 87-067
CPSC Warns Of Potential Braking Problem
With Lariat II Riding Lawn Mowers
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission, Roof Manufacturing Company of Pontiac, Illinois
announced a program to alert consumers to a potential braking
problem with the company's Lariat II riding lawn mowers.
The Commission is aware of one death associated with the Lariat II riding lawn mower.
The power and braking for the Lariat II are supplied through the
left rear wheel of the mower. This wheel is held onto the axle by
retaining ring. This ring slip, over the axle and fits next to and
to the outside of the hub of the left rear wheel. This retaining
ring has two "set screws" which must be securely tightened to insure
the continued braking ability of the mower. If the retaining ring
comes loose from the axle, all braking ability is lost and the user
might lose control of the mower.
Roof Manufacturing contacted all dealers, distributors and
known consumers to alert them to the necessity for tightening these
screws and to provide them with a decal to attach to the mover to
remind the consumer to retighten these screws if the retaining ring
is ever removed for maintenance.
If you own a Lariat II riding lawn mower, contact your dealer to get the
necessary wrench to make the adjustment and a decal for their mowers. The firm is no longer in business and cannot be contacted to get these items.
To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety
information call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC.
A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.