The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·13704·Announced 2012-11-01

Excel Industries Recalls Hustler and BigDog Lawn Mowers for Fire Hazard

Excel Industries is recalling about 18,000 Hustler and BigDog lawn mowers because a fuel tank vent valve fitting can fail to seal, causing a fuel leak and fire hazard.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard due to fuel leaks, which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Excel Industries Inc. is recalling approximately 18,000 Hustler and BigDog brand riding and walk-behind lawn mowers. The recall is due to a defect in the fuel tank vent valve fitting, which can fail to seal and cause a fuel leak, posing a fire hazard.

The affected mowers were sold nationwide through Hustler and BigDog dealers from September 2010 to May 2012 for prices between $2,900 and $21,000. Hustler models are yellow, while BigDog models are red. The firm is aware of 152 incidents of vent valve fittings failing, but no injuries or property damage have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn mowers and contact a Hustler or BigDog dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Excel is also contacting its customers directly. For more information, consumers can call Excel Industries at (800) 748-8223 or visit www.hustlerturf.com and www.bigdogmowers.com.

The recalled product

Product
Hustler and BigDog Lawn Mowers
Manufacturer
Excel Industries Inc., of Hesston, Kan.
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn Mowers
Hazard
Affected units
18,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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