March 20, 2001
Alert #01-511 |
|
CPSC, Deere & Company Recall Gator Utility Vehicles
PRODUCT: Utility Vehicles - Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill., is recalling about 550 Gator Utility Vehicles. The recalled models include the 4X2 Gators, 6X4 Gators, and Turf Gators manufactured between October 2000 and November 2000. The off-road vehicles are four- or six-wheeled and have the model number painted on the side of a cargo box, which is attached to the back of the vehicle. The utility vehicles were sold through authorized John Deere Dealers nationwide from November 2000 through February 2001 for between $6,000 and $10,000.
PROBLEM: During manufacturing, an extra internal vent line was attached to the plastic vent fitting on some fuel tanks. If the fuel inside the gas tank expands, it can leak out through the extra vent line and onto the ground, presenting fire and burn hazards.
INCIDENTS/INJURIES:Deere & Company has received three reports of fuel leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported.
WHAT TO DO:Stop using the vehicle immediately. If it is stored inside, push the vehicle outside to a well-ventilated area and loosen the fuel cap (one-quarter turn) to equalize pressure. Consumers should call the John Deere Dealer where the vehicle was purchased, to get a free inspection and repair. For more information, call Deere & Company toll- free at (800) 537-8233 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Deere & Company has sent notices to known purchasers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.