Power Mowers Recalled by Lawn-Boy

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2000
Release # 01-005

Lawn-Boy Recall Hotline: (800) 444-8676
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Lawn-Boy Inc. Announce Recall of Power Mowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lawn-Boy Inc., of Bloomington, Minn., is recalling about 102,000 Lawn-Boy power mowers. Due to wear caused by the mulch fan, the mowers' blades can crack and break off. Broken pieces of the blade can be propelled from underneath the mower, possibly injuring the operator or a bystander.

Lawn-Boy has received eight reports of blades breaking on these mowers, including a consumer who was struck on the shin by a piece of a broken mower blade, resulting in a laceration.

The recalled Lawn-Boy Silver Pro and Gold Pro Series are 2-cycle, walk-behind, 21-inch power mowers. A decal on the right rear of the mower's housing (Silver Pro) or beneath the handle control panel (Gold Pro) has a serial number from 8900001 to 8999999, and one of the following model numbers:

10247	10250	10323	10324
10331	10332	10424	10425
10525	10527	10547	10548

Lawn-Boy dealers, and department and home center stores, including Sears, Lowe's and the Home Depot, sold these mowers from February 1998 through August 2000 for between $400 and $600.

Consumers should stop using these recalled mowers immediately. The company will automatically mail free repair kits, which include a new mower blade and modified mulching fan, to consumers who have registered their mowers. Consumers can have the repair performed for free at a local Lawn-Boy service dealer after receiving the repair kit. Consumers who have not been notified should contact their local Lawn-Boy service dealer for assistance. To locate the nearest Lawn-Boy service dealer or for more information, consumers should call Lawn-Boy at (800) 444-8676 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to their website at http://www.lawnboy.com/recall.htm.