Brister's Thunder Kart Lawn Mowers Recalled

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Brister's Thunder Karts, Inc., Roseland, Louisiana, announced today that it is recalling its High Wheel "Champ" walk-behind power lawn mowers because they do not comply with federal safety standards in effect since 1982. The lawn mowers fail to meet the 3-second blade stopping time requirement and do not have a protective foot shield to prevent contact with the rotating mower blade. The recall covers only those lawn mowers which were purchased by consumers for their personal use and does not include lawn mowers which are intended for industrial/commercial/professional uses.

The lawn mowers, which are called "high wheelers" because the rear wheels on the mowers are larger than the front wheels, are available in two models: model B-21, with a 21-inch cutting blade and a 4 horsepower motor; and model B-24, with a 24-inch cutting blade and a 5 horsepower motor, available in both push type and self-propelled. The suggested retail price ranges from $319.00 to $599.00 each. Approximately 1200 units have been sold to retailers located in Mississippi and Louisiana. While neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor Brister's Thunder Karts knows of any injuries involving these lawn mowers, they present a risk of serious injuries to hands and feet as a result of contact with the rotating lawn mower blade.

Consumers who purchased the mowers from 1982 through 1986 are urged to bring the mowers back to the retailer where purchased so that they may be modified to comply with the safety standard at no cost. Consumers may also contact Mr. Charles Brister, c/o Brister's Thunder Karts, Inc., PO Box 324, Roseland, Louisiana 70456, or call the company collect at (504) 748-7488.

Additional information about this recall may also be obtained by calling the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Consumers who purchased the mowers from 1982 through 1986 are urged to bring the mowers back to the retailer where purchased so that they may be modified to comply with the safety standard at no cost. Consumers may also contact Mr. Charles Brister, c/o Brister's Thunder Karts, Inc., PO Box 324, Roseland, Louisiana 70456, or call the company collect at (504) 748-7488.

While neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor Brister's Thunder Karts knows of any injuries involving these lawn mowers, they present a risk of serious injuries to hands and feet as a result of contact with the rotating lawn mower blade.