Toro Recalls Commercial Riding Mowers Due to Fire Hazard

Plain-English summary

The Toro Company is recalling approximately 13,000 Toro-brand Commercial-grade Riding Mowers, specifically the Zmaster Z100 series. These mowers are red, equipped with 17 to 23 horsepower engines, and feature mowing decks ranging from 44 to 52 inches. The recall includes mowers sold nationwide by Toro dealers between January 1998 and December 2001 for prices between $6,000 and $7,300.

The recall is necessary because the riding mower's exhaust system can ignite fuel vapors from spilled fuel if the engine backfires. Toro has received 10 reports of fires caused by this mechanism, resulting in one serious burn injury and varying degrees of property damage to the mowers. Some of these units were previously recalled in March 2001, but consumers need to contact Toro for this additional repair even if a prior repair was completed.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled mowers and contact Toro or their local Toro dealer to determine if their specific model and serial numbers are included in the recall. The model and serial numbers are located on a decal on the right side of the operating console below the seat. If the mower is affected, the dealer will schedule a repair of the exhaust system. For more information, consumers can contact Toro at (800) 225-0578 or visit www.Toro.com.

The recalled product

Product

Toro-brand Commercial-grade Riding Mower

Manufacturer

The Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn.

Category

Consumer Product — Lawn Mowers

Hazard

• fire
• burn-injury

Affected units

13,000

Distribution

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