Ferrari Recalls Rototillers

Washington, D.C .--In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ferrari-Maschio Inc., of Madison, Wisconsin, today announced a voluntary corrective action program for its model 71 and 72 Ferrari rotary tillers. Approximately 450 of the rear tine tillers were sold to rental companies or to professionals since 1973. Though most sales were in California, a few units were sold in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, and Oregon.

Ferrari is aware of six consumer accidents involving the forward operation of these tillers, resulting in severe leg lacerations and one leg amputation. Ferrari believes that all tiller accidents occurred when the center hoe attachment to these machines was missing. The tiller's center hoe is a stabilizing component located underneath and to the rear of the tine assembly. Ferrari warns that without the presence of a functional center hoe, its tillers cannot be controlled.

The CPSC staff has determined that the forward operation of both tiller models with a missing center hoe can cause the tiller to jump forward or to buck, exposing the rotating tines to the operator standing behind. The CPSC staff has learned that any attempt by a consumer to restrain such a tiller could result in contact with the rotating tines and severe leg injuries. Without the center hoe attachment, the model 71 and 72 Ferrari tillers present a severe. laceration hazard to the user.

In addition, the CPSC staff determined that if the model 71 Ferrari tiller is operated in forward gear with the center hoe set in one or more of its high positions (for deeper tilling of the soil) it may be uncontrollable.

As a result, Ferrari is implementing a two part corrective action program for both tillers. It will attach a conspicuous label to each tiller in possession of rental companies or otherwise, warning both the owner and operator of the tiller to check for the presence of A a center hoe. Also, Ferrari is replacing the center hoe on the model 71 tiller with a modified hoe, to ensure the safe operation of this machine.

The company believes that most operational machines have been located. Ferrari advises any unidentified rental company or person not contacted by Ferrari who owns one or more of these tillers to call the company at 608-273-3484, for the appropriate warning label and center hoe modification, if applicable. As an alternative, the owner may write to: Ferrari-Maschio Inc., 2995 Kapec Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711.

Information regarding this matter may also be obtained by calling the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.