The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership of Sullivan, Illinois, has recalled 2,700 riding lawn tractors due to a crash hazard. Perhaps it is fortunate that the U.S. is experiencing a spate of early spring weather urging homeowners and gardeners to ready their lawn care equipment early this year. The CPSC is getting a jump on the season too, with the release of this recall announcement which may prevent possible accident headaches for consumers who own the Cub Cadet, MTD Gold and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors.
This particular recall involves 2,700 Cub Cadet, MTD Gold, and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors made in the U.S. and sold with Hydro-Gear model 618-0319 and 618-04270B transaxles. Thus far, no accidents or injuries have been reported to the company or to the CPSC regarding these tractors. However, a drive gear in the lawn tractor’s hydrostatic transaxle has been found to fail causing brake failure and posing a crash hazard to consumers. These lawn tractors were sold by lawn and garden stores throughout the U.S. from January 2011 through January 2012 for approximately $1,900 to $2,800.
The dates of manufacture (DOM) of the recalled tractors range from December 2010 through March 2011. The date of manufacture of the tractors can be found on a label located under the tractor’s seat. Of the Cub Cadet tractors, the following mower types are involved in this recall: LTX 1045, LTX 1046KW, LTX 1046M, LTX 1050KH, LTX 1050KW, SLTX 1050, and SLTX 1054. Of the MTD Gold brand tractors, the Hydro mower is recalled; and of the Troy-Bilt tractors, the TB2450 mower type is involved.
All of the tractors being recalled have the transaxle serial numbers from 0333 through 0348, which can be found on a label on the transaxles.
Consumers should stop using the tractors immediately and contact the company to make arrangements for a repair by an authorized dealer. Consumers may call the firm toll-free at 1(888) 848-6038 or visit the firms’ websites for additional information at www.cubcadet.com, www.troybilt.com or www.MTDproducts.com. Consumers can also visit Hydro-Gear’s website at www.hydro-gear.com
Photos of the tractors being recalled can be viewed at the CPSC website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12132.html
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