Toro Recalls Rear Engine Riding Mowers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Toro Company, Minneapolis, MN, whereby rear engine riding mowers manufactured by Toro between 1972 and 1979 are being recalled. Toro has learned that there is a possibility that, after starting the mower with the auxiliary rope starter, which is located under the hinged rear body/seat, the user can fall or sit on the rotating starter cup. In addition to the recall program, Toro has also agreed to pay the CPSC a civil penalty of $75,000 in settlement of allegations of the Commission staff which are denied by the company that the company violated the defect reporting requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act, with regard to the riding mowers.

The company has found that there is a possibility that the 1973 mowers can be started in gear if the shift linkage is not properly adjusted, and that 1972-1976 mowers can be accidentally kicked or bumped into gear. Severe laceration injuries to the buttocks have occurred when, after starting the engine, the user climbed on the mower and fell, or simply sat, on the exposed rotating starter cup while the seat was still raised.