Deere Recalls About 15,500 Lawn Tractors

Deere & Co. is recalling about 15,500 lawn tractors sold since last December due to a problem involving mower blade brake assemblies that increases chances that the operator can be cut by the spinning blades.

The recall affects tractors sold at John Deere dealers, Lowe’s and Home Depot stores across the country, according to a statement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The tractors are green, with yellow seats, and they have model numbers D100, D110, D120 and D130. All have a 42-inch Edge Cutting System mower deck.

The statement said hardware used to hold blade brake assemblies on the mower decks can break, and that can cause blades to spin longer than normal after the operator stops power.

The commission said customers should stop using the recalled products immediately.

Deere, based in Moline, Ill., is the world’s largest maker of agricultural equipment. It also makes construction, forestry and landscaping equipment, such as backhoes, excavators, riding mowers and leaf blowers.

Consumers with questions can contact Deere at 800-537-8233.

Its shares rose 36 cents to $76.92 in midday trading Wednesday.