Popular Lawn Mower Brand Recalls 39,000 Units Over Engine Defect

If you’re a John Deere lawn mower owner, a recent recall impacting certain ZTrak Zero Turn Mower models will be of great concern to you, as it concerns potential safety risks. The issue involves the Kawasaki motors within the mowers, which have a defect that could pose a fire hazard during use or even when the mower is stored.

While no injuries have been reported, some worrying incidents linked to this defect have occurred, making it essential to act if your mower is affected. Read on to find out which models are included in the recall and how to handle the situation if you’re impacted.

What John Deere Mowers Are Being Recalled?

John Deere is recalling about 39,000 of its ZTrak Zero Turn Mowers with model numbers Z720E, Z730M, Z740R and Z760R. John Deere will contact all known purchasers of the impacted mowers directly.

The serial numbers for the impacted models, which will be located on the right side of the machine near the rear tire, are listed below:

• Model Z720E
  • Start Serial Number: 1TC720E****010001
  • End Serial Number: 1TC720E****080657
• Model Z730M
  • Start Serial Number: 1TC730M****010001
  • End Serial Number: 1TC730M****080574
• Model Z740R
  • Start Serial Number: 1TC740R****010001
  • End Serial Number: 1TC740R****080462
• Model Z760R
  • Start Serial Number: 1TC760R****080001
  • End Serial Number: 1TC760R****080339

Why Are These Mowers Being Recalled?

These mowers are being recalled because the Kawasaki engines within them are defective. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall brief dated Jan. 2, “The voltage regulator in the mower’s engine can fail during use or while the product is being stored, causing the engine to overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.”

Kawasaki Motors reports five fires and 26 instances of melting and/or smoking connected to this issue, but no injuries have been reported.

What To Do If Your Mower Is Recalled

If your mower is affected by this recall, you should contact an authorized John Deere dealer immediately to set up a free repair appointment. You can contact Deere & Company for more information through their customer service line (800-537-8233).

Source

CPSC.org: “Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls John Deere ZTrak Zero Turn Mowers with Kawasaki Engines Due to Fire and Burn Hazards”