The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. On November 15, 2017, the CPSC issued a recall on the Bush Hog HDE zero turn riding mower. The cause for the recall is due to the possibility of the mower blades separating from the spindle, hence a laceration hazard.
Bush Hog Recall – Out in Front
First, there are no reports of injury, but there have been two accounts reported of the blades disengagement from the spindle. Next, Bush Hog seems to be out in front of the issue, putting the safety of their customers first. In fact, Bush Hog took the proactive step to report the incidents to the CPSC, which issued the Fast Track recall.
USCPSC Fast Track: This recall was conducted, voluntarily by the company, under CPSC’s Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.
This Bush Hog recall seems to only affect the Bush Hog HDE Zero Turn. These are the black mowers with gray wheels and gray ROPS. The affected mowers were manufactured on or before August 4, 2017. The date code is included in the manufacturer’s serial number, 001 through 216 (January 1 through August 4).
The Fix
Issues seem to be associated with the bolt holding the blade to the spindle, so the fix is easy. Bush Hog will pay for the recall/repair at any of the Bush Hog dealers. Repaired mowers are easily distinguished by the new yeallow bolt fastening the blade to the spindle.
Our Thoughts
Mowers themselves can be dangerous tools, and they should always be operated with caution. In regards to the Bush Hog recall, we’re glad to see a company get out in front of the recall and own it. With them reporting it to the CPSC, the process becomes a lot shorter, and this validates to their customers that Bush Hog cares. Accidents happen and we make mistakes, even in manufacturing. It’s great that there have been no injuries, and most importantly, the fixes are being done.
Recall Details from the USCPSC
Bush Hog Recalls Riding Lawn Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard
Name of product: Bush Hog HDE riding lawn mowers
Hazard: The mower blade can separate from the spindle, posing a laceration hazard to the operator or bystanders.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: November 15, 2017
Recall number: 18-036
Description:
This recall involves Bush Hog Zero Turn Radius (ZTR) HDE riding lawn mowers sold in black with gray wheels and gray rollover protection structures (ROPs). HDE is printed on the left side of the unit beneath the seat. The mowers were manufactured on or before August 4, 2017. The manufacturing date is located on a plate on the right rear frame, underneath the fender. The 15-digit serial number includes the manufacture date in digits 9-11. Recalled mowers have a date code that represents the number of days since the beginning of the calendar year of 001 through 216 (January 1 through August 4). Mowers with a yellow bolt fastening the blade to the spindle have already been repaired.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn mowers and contact a Bush Hog dealer to arrange for a free repair.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of blade disengagement during product demonstrations. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Bush Hog dealers nationwide from February 2017 to September 2017 for between $6,200 and $7,200.
Manufacturer(s): Bush Hog Inc., of Selma, Ala.
Manufactured In: U.S.
Units: About 500