FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 1997
Release # 98-029
Company Phone Number: (888)
848-6038 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
CPSC, MTD Products Announce Recall of Garden Tractors
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MTD Products Inc. of
Cleveland, Ohio, is recalling about 34,000 garden tractors.
The nut securing each rear wheel assembly to the axle can
loosen and fall off, causing a consumer to lose control of
the tractor and be injured if the wheel falls off.
MTD Products Inc. has received eight reports of nuts
loosening and in seven cases, wheels falling off. Minor
injuries, such as bruising, have been reported when
consumers lost control of the tractors and fell.
The garden tractors involved in the recall are 1997
models, having 46-inch or 50-inch mowing decks and 12 or 14
speed gear-drive transmissions. The garden tractors can be
identified by the 11-digit model number located under the
seat. Model numbers beginning with "14A" or "14B" and whose
5th and 6th digits are "82" or "84" are included in this
recall. For example, model number 14AW844H401 is included
in this recall. These tractors were sold under MTD "Yard
Machines" and "Yard-Man" brands as well as several private
labels.
Mass merchandise, wholesale, discount department and
builder's supply stores nationwide sold the tractors from
January 1997 through June 1997 for about $2,000.
Consumers should check the model numbers on their
garden tractors and call MTD to verify whether or not their
tractor is involved in this recall. If involved, consumers
should stop using these tractors immediately. Consumers will
be directed to a local MTD Authorized Service Dealer to
arrange for the repair at no charge. To verify model numbers
involved and obtain the name of the nearest MTD Authorized
Service Dealer, consumers should call MTD toll-free at (888)
848-6038 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through
Friday.
Garden tractors that have a green "X" next to the model
number already have been repaired and are not involved in
this recall.