CPSC, Exmark Manufacturing Announce Recall of Riding Mowers
Home product recall 02-126. Announced by CPSC on Mar 21, 2002.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Mar 21, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 21,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The riding mower’s exhaust system can ignite fuel vapors from spilled fuel if the engine backfires.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled mowers and contact Exmark or their local Exmark dealer to determine if their riding mower’s model numbers and serial numbers are included in the recall. The model and serial numbers are visible from the right side of the unit. They are located on a decal on the right side of the controls console. If needed, the dealer will schedule a repair of the riding mower’s exhaust system.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For more information, contact Exmark at (800) 479-8379 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or write an email to service@exmark.com. Consumers also can go to the firm’s website at www.exmark.com
Which ones are recalled?
The recall includes Exmark-brand Lazer Z HP series riding mowers, which are red. They are equipped with 17 to 23 horsepower engines and have mowing decks from 44 to 52 inches. The mowers have independently controlled rear-drive wheels, front casters, and a centrally mounted mowing deck. The brand and series names (Exmark Lazer Z HP) appear on the front of the mower. Some of these riding mowers previously were recalled in February 2001. Even if consumers previously had their riding mower repaired, they need to contact Exmark for this additional repair.
About 21,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Exmark-brand Commercial-grade Riding Mower.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Exmark Manufacturing, Beatrice, Neb.
- Exmark dealers nationwide sold these riding mowers, between January 1998 and December 2001, for between $6,000 and $7,300.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Exmark has received 15 reports of fires caused when these mowers backfired and ignited nearby fuel vapors. At least one serious burn injury was reported, and two other users reported minor burns. Property damage has varied from minor damage to the machine itself to several thousand dollars damage to other mowing equipment stored nearby.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
-
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.