Lois of Pecatonica, IL (6/23/03):
I own a Ranch King 42" riding mower. I have had this unit about 6 years. While mowing my yard 22 Jun 03, the mower started to slow and I assumed I was running out of gas, so I stopped my mower and after taking it out of gear and turning off the motor, the front of the mower started on fire.

I raced to the house for my fire extinguisher and put out the existing flame. After the extinguisher was spent, the flame reignited. Fearing the fire would ignite the gas tank, I ran to get my hose. I finally managed to dowse the fire, but only after the entire front end of the mower was melted, the spark plug wire burnt, the exhaust system charred and the remaining cover also charred. The wheels were spared, but I had to push the unit back to the corn crib to put it away as I was afraid to try and start it.

I have bruised my left arm getting away from the mower as I caught it on the lever which lowers and raises the blades, and twisted my left ankle in retrieving the needed material to dowse the flames. I live on an old farm and it takes 9 hours to mow my grass. I cannot afford to be without my mower.

Rob of Bristol, UK, writes:
I understand from your web site that in the USA some Ranch King ride-on lawn mowers have been recalled, due to possible fire risk. In the UK my Lawn King ride-on mower, very similar appearance, caught fire after less than 10 hours use and only 3 months old.

It has caused about �25000 ($37000) worth of damage to buildings and property. Who is the Ranch King manufactured by, and where? The Lawn King in UK was maunfactured by CASTELGARDEN in Italy, is there a connection?

Ranch King tractors are manufactured by WCI Outdoor Products, Cleveland, OH. We don't have their address but the telephone number (US) is 1-888 677-2995.

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