Model 71 and 72 Ferrari rotary tillers

CPSC Recall #84-021 - April 3, 1984

Recall Summary

Recall Number84-021
Recall DateApril 3, 1984
Remedy TypeLabel, Replace
Units AffectedApproximately 450

Product

Model 71 and 72 Ferrari rotary tillers

Description

Washington, D.C . -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ferrari-Maschio Inc., of Madison, Wisconsin, today announced a voluntary corrective action program for its model 71 and 72 Ferrari rotary tillers. Approximately 450 of the rear tine tillers were sold to rental companies or to professionals since 1973. Though most sales were in California, a few units were sold in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, and Oregon.Ferrari is aware of six consumer accidents involving the forward operation of these tillers, resulting in severe leg lacerations and one leg amputation. Ferrari believes that all tiller accidents occurred when the center hoe attachment to these machines was missing. The tiller's center hoe is a stabilizing component located underneath and to the rear of the tine assembly. Ferrari warns that without the presence of a functional center hoe, its tillers cannot be controlled.The CPSC staff has determined that the forward operation of both tiller models with a missing center hoe can cause the tiller to jump forward or to buck, exposing the rotating tines to the operator standing behind. The CPSC staff has learned that any attempt by a consumer to restrain such a tiller could result in contact with the rotating tines and severe leg injuries. Without the center hoe attachment, the model 71 and 72 Ferrari tillers present a severe laceration hazard to the user.In addition, the CPSC staff determined that if the model 71 Ferrari tiller is operated in forward gear with the center hoe set in one or more of its high positions (for deeper tilling of the soil) it may be uncontrollable.As a result, Ferrari is implementing a two part corrective action program for both tillers. It will attach a conspicuous label to each tiller in possession of rental companies or otherwise, warning both the owner and operator of the tiller to check for the presence of a center hoe. Also, Ferrari is replacing the center hoe on the model 71 tiller with a modified hoe, to ensure the safe operation of this machine.The company believes that most operational machines have been located. Ferrari advises any unidentified rental company or person not contacted by Ferrari who owns one or more of these tillers to call the company at 608-273-3484 for the appropriate warning label and center hoe modification, if applicable. As an alternative, the owner may write to: Ferrari-Maschio Inc., 2995 Kapec Road, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711.Information regarding this matter may also be obtained by calling the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Hazard

The CPSC staff has determined that the forward operation of both tiller models with a missing center hoe can cause the tiller to jump forward or to buck, exposing the rotating tines to the operator standing behind. The CPSC staff has learned that any attempt by a consumer to restrain such a tiller could result in contact with the rotating tines and severe leg injuries. Without the center hoe attachment, the model 71 and 72 Ferrari tillers present a severe laceration hazard to the user.

Incidents & Injuries

Ferrari is aware of six consumer accidents involving the forward operation of these tillers, resulting in severe leg lacerations and one leg amputation.

Remedy Instructions

Ferrari is implementing a two part corrective action program for both tillers. It will attach a conspicuous label to each tiller in possession of rental companies or otherwise, warning both the owner and operator of the tiller to check for the presence of a center hoe. Also, Ferrari is replacing the center hoe on the model 71 tiller with a modified hoe, to ensure the safe operation of this machine.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Label, Replace 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 (Label, Replace) 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.