BigDog Stout MP fire hazard from Kawasaki engine voltage regulator (CPSC 24-256)

## Affected machines This bulletin covers the **BigDog Stout MP** portion of CPSC recall 24-256. The recall is **engine-specific**, not mower-specific. BigDog Stout MP units in scope are those with a Kawasaki engine (model year 2021-2023) bearing the defective 21066-0785 voltage regulator. The engine model and serial numbers are on the engine fan housing. ### Recalled Kawasaki engine models (MY 2021-2023) FJ400D, FS600V, FS651V, FX691V, FX730V, FX801V, FX850V, FXT00V. The full list of specification numbers is published on the Kawasaki product-recall page (linked below). ## Issue The **21066-0785 voltage regulator** in the recalled Kawasaki engines can fail thermally. When the voltage regulator fails, the engine overheats and can ignite. Critically, **the failure can occur while the equipment is in storage** — not just during operation. A widely-shared mitigation while waiting for the dealer repair is to **disconnect the negative battery terminal** when the mower is not in use, since the voltage regulator's failure mode involves continued current flow. Reported field incidents at time of recall (US): - 8 reports of fires - 0 injuries ## What to do 1. Find your engine model and serial number on the engine fan housing of your Stout MP. 2. Check your engine model against the list above; if it's one of the eight covered models, also confirm the specification number against Kawasaki's published list at https://kawasakienginesusa.com/support-resources/product-recall. 3. If your mower is in scope, **stop using it immediately** and store it away from combustible materials. Consider disconnecting the battery's negative terminal as an additional precaution. 4. Contact Excel Industries at (888) 848-6038 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET, or visit https://www.bigdogmowerco.com. 5. You may also contact Kawasaki Motors USA directly at (866) 836-4463. ## Related bulletins Sibling bulletins for the same CPSC 24-256 recall covering other brands in the TractorNuity library: - **TNB02600026** — John Deere Z760R portion - **TNB02600027** — Kubota Z726XKW portion - **TNB02600031** — Bad Boy Rebel / Revolt / Rogue portion - **TNB02600032** — Cub Cadet ZTX-6 portion - **TNB02600040** — Bobcat ZT6000 / ZT6100 / ZT7000 portion - **TNB02600048** — Hustler FasTrak SDX portion (sibling brand under same Excel Industries parent) ## Hazard Severity is rated **critical** because of the fire risk, including the in-storage failure mode that can ignite without operator presence. ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, recall 24-256, "Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls Engines Used in Bad Boy Mowers, BigDog, Bobcat, Cub Cadet, Hustler, John Deere and Kubota Brand Lawn and Garden Equipment Due to Fire and Burn Hazards," June 6, 2024. - Kawasaki product recall page: https://kawasakienginesusa.com/support-resources/product-recall/product-recall-24-256 - BigDog product recall info: https://www.bigdogmowerco.com