Deere & Company Recalls Lawn Tractors, Blade Could Operate While Mower Unattended

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: John Deere X300 Select Series Lawn Tractors

Units: About 16,000

Manufacturer: Deere & Company of Moline, Ill.

Hazard: A problem in the manufacturing process could cause damage to the circuit in the interlock module. If the interlock module fails, the mower blades will be able to run with no operator on the tractor seat. Consumers could suffer injuries from contact with operating blades.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: These John Deere X300 Select Series lawn tractors are green with yellow seats and wheels. The following model and serial numbers can be found on the serial number plate on the tractor’s frame, which is located just above the front wheel axle on the right side of the tractor.

Sold at: Authorized John Deere dealers nationwide from April 2006 through May 2006 for between $2,800 and $5,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: The company is directly notifying those consumers who purchased an affected tractor. Consumers should contact a John Deere dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact John Deere’s Customer Contact Center at (800) 537-8233 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday, or at the John Deere Web site at www.deere.com