Posted: August 11, 2015
On Tuesday, August 5, John Deere issued a recall for more than 2,000 lawn tractors over a brake issue that could cause serious injury or even death. Approximately 1,700 of these machines were sold in the U.S. and another 370 were sold in Canada, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The Moline, IL-based company’s lawn tractor has a faulty brake arm, which can cause the operator to crash. The company seems to have caught the defect in time, as no injuries have been reported. Recalled models were sold nationwide from May 2015 through August 2015 for $1,700 to $2,700 at Home Depot, Lowe’s and other John Deere dealers.
Affected models include D110, D125, D130, D140, D155, D160, D170 and those with serial numbers starting with 1GXD. The model number is printed in yellow and can be located on the bottom left and right of the hood. The serial number is imprinted under the fender, above the left rear time on the machine’s left side.
Owners are advised to stop using the tractor immediately and bring it to a local John Deere dealer for a free repair on this product recall.
Riding lawnmower safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes the safety issues most commonly linked to riding equipment are blade contact and loss of stability. During the period of 2010-2012, the CSPC estimates that 34,000 injuries related to riding mowers were treated annually in hospital emergency rooms.
Additionally, the CSPC reports that a yearly average of 90 deaths were attributed to riding mowers from 2007-2009. Fatal accidents have occurred in a number of different forms, including the machine tipping over, the victim falling under the machine or being run over by it — especially with young children — and the victim being thrown from or falling off the mower.
Riders are advised to keep their hands and feet away from rotating parts and the area underneath the machine. It is also very important to keep the area around the mower free of objects such as rocks, wire and toys that could be thrown by the blade. The area should always be clear of bystanders before entering and passengers should never be carried on back of the machine.
John Deere recall lawyers taking new cases
When you purchased your John Deere tractor, you expected it to make your life easier — not put you in harm’s way. If you or a loved one sustained an injury from the use of this tractor, you need to know your rights. You may be entitled to compensation to pay medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Having an experienced product liability lawyer on your team is essential, to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
For more information about filing a tractor defect lawsuit, the seasoned attorneys at Eisbrough Marsh are here to help. We offer a complimentary case review to victims who have been injured by faulty products that never should have hit the market. Contact us today at 201-342-5545 to get started.
Resources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, John Deere Recalls Riding Lawn Tractors Due to Crash Hazard http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/John-Deere-Recalls-Riding-Lawn-Tractors/#remedy
- WFAA 8, John Deere Recalls 1,700 Tractors http://www.wfaa.com/story/money/consumer/2015/08/06/john-deere-recalls-1700-tractors/31205753/
- CNBC, Deere Recalls Lawn Tractors Over Faulty Brake Arm http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/04/deere-recalls-lawn-tractors-over-faulty-brake-arm.html
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Riding Lawnmowers http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/122050/588.pdf