The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·96190·Announced 1996-09-25

Toro, Ford, and New Holland Recall Yard Tractors Due to Brake Failure

Toro is recalling approximately 6,500 yard and garden tractors sold as Toro, Ford, and New Holland because the brakes may wear out prematurely, leading to brake failure and potential loss of control.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (brake failure) with reported injuries (broken feet), which meets the criteria for a Severe rating (Score 4) under the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The Toro Company is voluntarily recalling approximately 6,500 yard and garden tractors in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall affects Toro Wheel Horse Yard and Garden Tractors, as well as Ford and New Holland brand LS 25 and LS 45 Gear Yard Tractors. These six-speed riding tractors were sold nationwide from January 1994 to May 1996 for approximately $2,000 each.

The tractors' brakes may wear out prematurely, eventually leading to brake failure. As a result, consumers could be injured if they lose control of the tractors. Toro has received reports of two consumers who each broke a foot after losing control of their tractors.

Affected models include Toro model 72040 tractors with serial numbers ranging from 4900001 to 5999999; Ford or New Holland model LS 25 Gear tractors with serial numbers from T4A0001 to T4A1201 and T5A0001 to T5A0617; and Ford or New Holland model LS 45 Gear tractors with serial numbers from T4C0001 to T4C0581 and T5C0001 to T5C0168. Model and serial numbers are located on the fender underneath the seat. Consumers who own recalled Toro tractors should contact the nearest Toro Service Dealer to have the brakes modified at no charge. Owners of recalled Ford or New Holland tractors should contact the nearest New Holland Service Dealer. Tractors purchased after May 1996 had brakes modified prior to sale.

The recalled product

Product
Ford Yard Tractors
Manufacturer
Ford
Category
Vehicle — Yard and Garden Tractors
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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