Toro Recalls Rear Engine Riding Mowers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Toro Company, Minneapolis, MN, whereby rear engine riding mowers manufactured by Toro between 1972 and 1979 are being recalled. Toro has learned that there is a possibility that, after starting the mower with the auxiliary rope starter, which is located under the hinged rear body/seat, the user can fall or sit on the rotating starter cup. In addition to the recall program, Toro has also agreed to pay the CPSC a civil penalty of $75,000 in settlement of allegations of the Commission staff which are denied by the company that the company violated the defect reporting requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act, with regard to the riding mowers.

The company has found that there is a possibility that the 1973 mowers can be started in gear if the shift linkage is not properly adjusted, and that 1972-1976 mowers can be accidentally kicked or bumped into gear. Severe laceration injuries to the buttocks have occurred when, after starting the engine, the user climbed on the mower and fell, or simply sat, on the exposed rotating starter cup while the seat was still raised.

In cooperation with the CPSC, Toro is offering to install a recoil version of the auxiliary starter at no charge. Consumers should contact their local Toro Authorized or Master Service Dealer to arrange for this service. In addition, Toro is offering to inspect and/or adjust the shift linkage on the 1973 riding mowers.

Toro has sent notices to some 19,000 registered owners of the 1974-1979 mowers and has posted notices of this recall program in dealer's showrooms. Consumers who own one of these mowers, but have not received notice, should contact their nearest Toro Service dealer or call Toro toll-free at 1-800-444-8676.

The rear engine riding mowers involved in this program can be identified by the following numbers which are located on the engine base plate to the left of the engine:
 

The Toro Company can be reached by calling the toll free number between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm, Central Time or by writing to the Consumer Service Department -- The Toro Company, 8111 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55420.

Toro is offering to install a recoil version of the auxiliary starter at no charge. Consumers should contact their local Toro Authorized or Master Service Dealer to arrange for this service. In addition, Toro is offering to inspect and/or adjust the shift linkage on the 1973 riding mowers. 

Consumers who own one of these mowers, but have not received notice, should contact their nearest Toro Service dealer or call Toro toll-free at 1-800-444-8676

Severe laceration injuries to the buttocks have occurred when, after starting the engine, the user climbed on the mower and fell, or simply sat, on the exposed rotating starter cup while the seat was still raised.