Extension News and Public Affairs

Washington, DC--March 8, 2002---Murray Inc., of Brentwood, Tenn., is recalling more than 89,000 rear-engine riding lawn mowers and about 6,200 mid-engine riding mowers. The fuel tank can crack and leak fuel, posing a burn or fire hazard to consumers.

Murray has received 950 reports of fuel tanks leaking and six reports of fires, including one report of minor burns to a consumer.

The recalled riding lawn mowers have 30-inch cutting decks and were sold under Murray, Murray Select, Craftsman and Wizard brand names. The brand name is printed on the front or side of the mowers. Model numbers can be found under the seat or on a nameplate on the rear of the mower. Models included in the recall are 30560, 30565, 30560x5, 30560x60, 30560x99, 30575x7, 30575x8, 30575x31, 30577x31, 30577x7, 30577x8, 502.256210, 502.256220, 502.270210, 502.251250, 502.270211, 536.270212, MOM6115A59 and MOM6115A89.

Department and hardware stores, including Sears, Western Auto and Home Depot, sold the riding mowers nationwide from Jan. 1995 through Jan. 2002 for between $700 and $1,200.

The recalled mid-engine riding mowers also have 30-inch cutting decks and the brand names Murray and Yard King printed on the front. A nameplate under the seat of the mower displays the model number. Models involved in the recall are 309005X10 and 309306X89. The mowers were sold at Home Depot and Western Auto from Feb. 2001 through Jan. 2002 and sold between $800 and $950.

Consumers should stop using these riding mower immediately, and contact their nearest Murray Service Dealer for a free replacement fuel tank. Consumers with Craftsman rear-engine mowers should contact Sears toll free at (800) 659-7026 anytime.

For more information, contact Murray toll free at (800) 246-5896 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.murray.com.

SOURCE: Consumer Product Safety Commission (800) 638-2772