Skip to main content

CPSC, MTD Products Announce Recall of Garden Tractors

  • No image available
Recall Date:
November 24, 1997

Recall Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Company Phone Number: (888) 848-6038

November 24, 1997

 

Release # 98-029

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.

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

Recall Complaint
If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.

Related Recalls

John Deere compact utility tractor
John Deere Recalls Compact Utility Tractors Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death

The spring locking pins in the rollover protective system (ROPS) can break and cause the ROPs to fail in the event of a rollover. This recall involves 19 models of 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 series tractors.

Tractor Identification Photos (by Brand) and Sample DOM Labels:
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractors Recalled by Hydro-Gear Due to Crash Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership, of Sullivan, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 2,700 lawn tractors. A drive gear in the lawn tractor's hydrostatic transaxle can fail causing brake failure, posing a crash hazard to consumers.
No image available
Compact Tractors Recalled by John Deere Due to Injury Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 90 John Deere Compact Utility Tractors. An incorrectly sized differential was installed in the tractor transaxle affecting the engagement of the differential lock and causing the tractor to turn to the left when braking. This causes the vehicle to veer left when the brake is applied, posing a risk of collision and injury to the operator and bystanders.
No image available
Husqvarna Recalls Lawn Tractors; Parking Brake Failure Can Cause Loss of Control
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products N.A. Inc., of Augusta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 8,200 Craftsman Lawn Tractors. The tractor's parking brake can fail posing a loss of control hazard.
No image available
John Deere Tractors Recalled Due to Collision Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 5,400 John Deere Compact Utility Tractors. The forward drive pedal can get stuck, posing a risk of loss of control and injury to the operator and bystanders.
No image available
Deere & Company Recalls Lawn Tractors, Blade Could Operate While Mower Unattended
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Deere & Company of Moline, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 16,000 John Deere X300 Select Series Lawn Tractors. A problem in the manufacturing process could cause damage to the circuit in the interlock module. If the interlock module fails, the mower blades will be able to run with no operator on the tractor seat. Consumers could suffer injuries from contact with operating blades.
About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:
Choose Your Recall Emails Get Notified About Each Recall via Email.
Report an unsafe product