CPSC And Ryobi Announce Lawn Mower Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ryobi Outdoor Products Inc. (ROP) of Chandler, Ariz., is voluntarily recalling for repair 20,000 battery-powered and corded lawn mowers. The mower's starter button may stick in the 'on' position, and as a result, consumers could be injured by the moving mower blade. ROP has received nine reports of finger laceration injuries that occurred when the starter button was stuck in the on position.

The walk-behind lawn mowers are gray and have a black data plate, which includes the serial number, on the rear of the mower. This recall includes Ryobi Mulchinator Models BMM2400 and CMM1200 with a ten-digit serial number with the last four digits ranging from 9240 through 9352. The lawnmowers were sold nationwide in home and garden centers and hardware stores from January 1993 through 1994 for $350 to $400 each.

Consumers owning the recalled mowers, or those who are unsure if their mower is covered by the recall, should call (800) 345-8746 between 9am-7pm EST Monday through Friday for information on where to take the mower for repair free of charge.

Consumers should always follow instructions in the owners manual and remove the ignition key/circuit breaker or extension cord when the mower is not in use. Under no circumstances should hands or feet be placed under or near the mowing deck when the ignition key or extension cord is plugged in.