From: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov & www.usrecallnews.com  

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert #09-736

Bush Hog Off-Road Utility Vehicles (UTV) are being recalled because of a defect that could pose a risk of injury to drivers and passengers. The Bush Hog UTV recall comes just weeks after Yamaha Motor Corp. USA issued a massive recall for dangerous Rhino UTVs.

The Bush Hog UTV recall involves about 850 units. The recall includes the Bush Hog Models TH4400 (Trail Hand) and 4430 4X4 Off-Road Utility Vehicles. “Bush Hog” is printed on the utility vehicle’s cargo bed tail gate and on each side of the cargo bed. Model “TH4400”or “4430” is printed on each side of the hood. The hood color is red, green, or mossy oak. The recalled Bush Hog UTVs were sold at Bush Hog dealerships nationwide from April 2008 to December 2008 for between $8,000 and $10,000.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the UTV’s throttle cable can lock in freezing temperatures. This can cause the engine not to return to idle when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator pedal, posing a risk of loss of vehicle control and injury to the driver and passenger.

Bush Hog has received one report of an incident involving a frozen throttle cable on a utility vehicle. No injuries have been reported, the CPSC said.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled off-road UTVs and contact a Bush Hog dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. All registered owners have been notified about this recall by mail. Bush Hog is issuing a $50 incentive check for retail customers that bring their machines in for the throttle cable replacement.

The Bush Hog UTV is the second such vehicle recalled since March. Late last month, well over 100,000 Yamaha Rhino 450, 660 and 700 UTVs were recalled after they were linked to 46 deaths, most of which occurred as a result of rollover accidents. In the past , critics have charged that Yamaha Rhino is top heavy, and it has tires that are extremely narrow. These design defects make it far more likely that the Yamaha Rhino will tip and rollover while going through a turn, even when the vehicle is traveling at a slow speed and is on a flat surface.

The problems with the Yamaha Rhino have highlighted the inadequate regulation of UTVs. Another type of off-roader, all terrain vehicles (ATV) are subject to stricter rules. That’s mainly due to design differences between ATVs and UTVs - for instance, ATVs have handlebars, while UTVs like the Rhino have steering wheels. But neither are UTVs subject to the much-tougher standards for cars.

Brookside Equipment Sales recommends John Deere Gator utility vehicles.

From: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert #09-172

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif., is announcing a free repair program to address safety issues with all Rhino 450, 660, and 700 model off-highway recreational vehicles. Yamaha has also agreed to voluntarily suspend sale of these models immediately until repaired. Consumers should immediately stop using these popular recreational vehicles until the repair is installed by a dealer.

CPSC staff has investigated more than 50 incidents involving these three Rhino models, including 46 driver and passenger deaths involving the Rhino 450 and 660 models. More than two-thirds of the cases involved rollovers and many involved unbelted occupants. Of the rollover-related deaths and hundreds of reported injuries, some of which were serious, many appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.

About 120,000 of the 450 and 660 model Rhinos have been distributed nationwide since Fall 2003. Some units have been equipped by Yamaha with half doors and additional passenger handholds, either before or after sale.

Yamaha’s repair includes the installation of a spacer on the rear wheels as well as the removal of the rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling, and continued installation of half doors and additional passenger handholds where these features have not been previously installed to help keep occupants’ arms and legs inside the vehicle during a rollover and reduce injuries. Owners of the affected Rhinos should stop using them and call their dealer to schedule an appointment to have repairs made once they are available and to take advantage of a free helmet offer.

Yamaha is also voluntarily implementing the same repair program and suspension of sale for the Rhino 700 model, in order to ensure customer satisfaction. Consumers should stop riding the 700 model until it is repaired. About 25,000 Rhino 700s are part of this repair program.

Once these repairs have been made to their vehicles, Rhino users should always wear their helmet and seatbelt and follow the safety instructions and warnings in the on-product labels, owner’s manuals and other safety materials. The Rhino is only recommended for operators 16 and older with a valid driver’s license. All passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with their back against the seat back.

CPSC advises consumers not to use the off-road vehicles until repaired

Brookside Equipment Sales recommends John Deere Gator utility vehicles.

From: www.sealcorp.com

From: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov 

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert #08-586 

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bush Hog Off-Road Utility Vehicles

Units: About 4,000

Manufacturer: Bush Hog LLC, of Selma, Ala.

Hazard: The utility vehicle’s throttle cable can freeze in freezing temperatures. This can cause the engine not to return to idle when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator pedal.

Incidents/Injuries: Bush Hog has received 52 reports of incidents involving the utility vehicle, including one leg fracture injury.

Description: The recall includes the Bush Hog Models TH440 (Trail Hunter), TH4200 (Trail Hand) and TH4400 (Trail Hand) Off-Road Utility Vehicles. “Bush Hog” is printed on the utility vehicle’s cargo bed tail gate and on each side of the cargo bed. Model “TH440,” “TH4200,” or “TH4400” is printed on each side of the hood. The hood color is red, green, or mossy oak.

Sold by: Bush Hog dealerships nationwide from January 2004 through March 2008 for between $8,000 and $9,900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled off-road utility vehicles and contact a Bush Hog dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. All registered owners have been notified about this recall by mail.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Bush Hog LLC toll-free at (877) 873-0143 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.bushhog.com (pdf)