Fuel Leaks Lead to Hustler and BigDog Lawn Mower Recall

An estimated 18,000 lawn mowers have been recalled due to reports of failed valve fittings, which may cause the lawn mowers to leak fuel, posing a potential fire hazard.

The Hustler and BigDog lawn mower recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on November 1, after the manufacturer received reports of at least 152 incidents where the fuel tank’s vent valve fitting failed to seal properly.

Although no injuries or property damage have been reported in connection with the defective lawn mowers, the CPSC has determined that the potential fuel leaks pose a substantial fire hazard. The commission is advising consumers to stop using the lawn mowers immediately.

Lawn mowers affected by this recall were manufactured in the U.S. by Excel Industries Inc., of Hesston Kansas. They were marketed and sold under the name “Hustler and “Big Dog” lawn mowers at Hustler and BigDog dealers nationwide from September 2010 to May 2012 for between $2,900 and $21,000.

The three types of lawn mowers sold under the BigDog and Hustler names were riding, zero turning riding, and walk-behind. Hustler models were sold in yellow and BigDog models were sold in red and the mowing deck range from 36 to 72 inches.

Model names affected by the recall include Hustler lawn mowers with the names 1500 Riding Greens, FasTrak, FasTrak Super Duty, Sport, Super Z, TrimStar and X-ONE; and BigDog lawnmowers with the names A Series, C Series, R Diablo, R PowerBar, R Series, T Series, X Series, X Series and X Diablo. The model name and serial numbers can be found on a tag located on the left side of the frame in front of the mowers fender. See the recall notice for a full list of recalled model and serial numbers.

The recalled lawn mowers were sold at Hustler and BigDog dealers nationwide for between $2,900 and $21,000 from September 2010 to May 2012.

Excel Industries is contacting consumers known to have purchased recalled models. Consumers who own an affected lawn mower can contact a Hustler or BigDog dealer to schedule free repairs. Consumers with questions can call Excel Industries at (800) 748-8223, or visit the websites www.hustlerturf.com and www.bigdogmowers.com.