Kawasaki OHV engine, Model FD750D, used in Ventrac compact articulated tractors
CPSC Recall #03-528 — March 10, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-528 |
| Recall Date | March 10, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 45 |
Product
Kawasaki OHV engine, Model FD750D, used in Ventrac compact articulated tractors
Description
PRODUCT: Gasoline-powered Small Engines - Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 45 engines that have been incorporated into Ventrac compact articulated tractors manufactured by Venture Products Inc. The recalled engines are 27 horsepower, liquid-cooled, overhead-valve (OHV), V-twin models with electric start and horizontal output shafts. The engine model and serial numbers are on a label at the top of the engines and next to the radiator cap:Engine ModelApplication SpecificationEngine Serial No.FD750DAS02000001 through 020851PROBLEM: Vibration during operation can result in abrasion wear to the fuel tube, leading to a fuel leak. If the fuel leak comes in contact with a spark or flame, it can cause a fire and burn hazard.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Kawasaki has received one report of fuel leakage, which resulted in a fire and burn injury to the operator.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using the Kawasaki engine-equipped compact tractors immediately and contact the authorized dealer from whom the tractor was purchased for a free repair. The repair will consist of installing a new fuel tube with a protective cover, and a new clamp to hold the fuel tube in place. Consumers also can call a local authorized Kawasaki engine dealer to schedule the free repair. For more information, contact a Ventrac authorized dealer, or contact Kawasaki, toll free, at (866) 902-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. To locate an authorized Kawasaki dealer using the Internet, log on to the company's website at www.kawpower.com.
Hazard
Vibration during operation can result in abrasion wear to the fuel tube, leading to a fuel leak. If the fuel leak comes in contact with a spark or flame, it can cause a fire and burn hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
Kawasaki has received one report of fuel leakage, which resulted in a fire and burn injury to the operator.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the Kawasaki engine-equipped compact tractors immediately and contact the authorized dealer from whom the tractor was purchased for a free repair. The repair will consist of installing a new fuel tube with a protective cover, and a new clamp to hold the fuel tube in place. Consumers also can call a local authorized Kawasaki engine dealer to schedule the free repair.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.