On April 29, 2013, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with MTD Products, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, announced the voluntary recall of eight 2011 models of Cub Cadet’s commercial zero turn lawn mowers due to a serious fire hazard posed by the use of such mowers. The fire hazard is presented when fuel leaks from the vent valve grommet at the top of the fuel tank during operation. MTD Products, the manufacturer of the Cub Cadet lawn mowers, has received over 100 reports of fuel leaking and seeping from fuel tanks, including a report of a fire.
The recall involves eight models of the Cub Cadet commercial zero turn lawn mowers which were manufactured between January 2011 and December 2011. The models affected include: M54-KH, M60-KH, M60-KW, M72-KW, S6031-KW, S7237-KW, TANK L48, and TANK L60. Consumers can locate the model number and date of manufacture on a label located on the framer under the foot rest.
These lawn mowers were sold nationwide at independent Cub Cadet retailers from January 2011 through January 2013 for prices ranging from $7,700 to $18,700. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using any affected mowers, and to contact an authorized Cub Cadet service dealer for a free repair. MTD Products is also contacting customers directly to inform them of the recall. Customers can contact the manufacturer directly by calling (888) 848-6038 or online at www.cubcadet.com under the “Product Recalls” section.
As consumer safety advocate and trial lawyer, I am continually troubled by the fact that manufacturers continue to sell products that endanger the lives of people. Manufacturers, in their zeal to get products on the market, often cut corners and overlook safety when designing and manufacturing products. Manufacturers have an obligation and opportunity to thoroughly assess product safety before the launch of a product. It should not take incidents like this for a manufacturer to make a product safe.
Please contact trial lawyer, Sean Quinn of the Quinn Law Group, with offices in Philadelphia and New Jersey, if you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous product.
