Toro Rear Engine Riding Mowers
CPSC Recall #89-008 — February 1, 1989
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 89-008 |
| Recall Date | February 1, 1989 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Repair |
| Units Affected | At least 19,000 |
Product
Toro Rear Engine Riding Mowers
Description
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. In cooperation with the CPSC, Toro is offering to install a recoil version of the auxiliary starter at no charge. Consumers should contact their local Toro Authorized or Master Service Dealer to arrange for this service. In addition, Toro is offering to inspect and/or adjust the shift linkage on the 1973 riding mowers. Toro has sent notices to some 19,000 registered owners of the 1974-1979 mowers and has posted notices of this recall program in dealer's showrooms. Consumers who own one of these mowers, but have not received notice, should contact their nearest Toro Service dealer or call Toro toll-free at 1-800-444-8676. The rear engine riding mowers involved in this program can be identified by the following numbers which are located on the engine base plate to the left of the engine: Model Serial Range 56575 56025 56030 56027 56033 56044 56044 200001-299999 300001-399999 300001-399999 400001-599999 400001-599999 600001-799999 8000001-9999999 The Toro Company can be reached by calling the toll free number between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm, Central Time or by writing to the Consumer Service Department -- The Toro Company, 8111 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55420.
Hazard
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.
Incidents & Injuries
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.
Remedy Instructions
Toro is offering to install a recoil version of the auxiliary starter at no charge. Consumers should contact their local Toro Authorized or Master Service Dealer to arrange for this service. In addition, Toro is offering to inspect and/or adjust the shift linkage on the 1973 riding mowers. Consumers who own one of these mowers, but have not received notice, should contact their nearest Toro Service dealer or call Toro toll-free at 1-800-444-8676
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, 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 (Inspect, Repair) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.