Toro Recalls Rear Engine Riding Mowers Due to Starter Injury Risk
Toro is recalling rear engine riding mowers from 1972-1979 because users may fall on the rotating starter cup, causing severe lacerations.
What this means for you
Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly reports 'Severe laceration injuries to the buttocks,' which aligns with the rubric criterion for significant injury reports, warranting a score of 4 (Severe).
Plain-English summary
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced an agreement with The Toro Company to recall rear engine riding mowers manufactured between 1972 and 1979. The recall addresses a hazard where users may fall or sit on the exposed rotating auxiliary starter cup after starting the mower with the rope starter located under the hinged rear body/seat. Severe laceration injuries to the buttocks have occurred when users climbed on the mower or sat on the exposed starter cup while the seat was raised.
Additionally, the company identified that 1973 mowers can be started in gear if the shift linkage is not properly adjusted, and 1972-1976 mowers can be accidentally kicked or bumped into gear. Toro has sent notices to approximately 19,000 registered owners of the 1974-1979 models and posted notices in dealer showrooms. The company also agreed to pay a $75,000 civil penalty in settlement of allegations regarding defect reporting requirements.
Consumers who own these mowers should contact their local Toro Authorized or Master Service Dealer to arrange for a free installation of a recoil version of the auxiliary starter. For 1973 models, Toro is also offering to inspect and/or adjust the shift linkage. Owners who have not received notice can contact their nearest Toro Service dealer or call Toro toll-free at 1-800-444-8676.
The recalled product
- Product
- Toro rear engine riding mowers
- Manufacturer
- Master Service Dealer
- Category
- Consumer Product — Lawn Mowers
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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