Redmax RZT48 fire hazard from Kawasaki FR-series fuel-tube damage (CPSC 2024 Recall Alert)

## Affected machines This bulletin covers the **Redmax** portion of the CPSC 2024 Recall Alert on MY2023 Kawasaki FR-series engines (Kawasaki recall notice RP230415, originally announced October 26, 2023; CPSC URL path uses /Recalls/2024/). ### Affected Redmax models The recall specifically names a single Redmax mower model: | Model | Engine | Notes | |---|---|---| | RZT48 | Kawasaki FR691V (23 HP) | 48-inch residential zero-turn | The **RZT48x** commercial variant is NOT named in the recall and is not in scope for this bulletin. The recalled **engine model and serial numbers** are located on the **engine fan housing**. The CPSC notice published the full table of affected engine model and serial-number ranges; consumers should match by engine SN against Kawasaki's published list, not by mower model alone — only mowers built with an in-scope engine SN are affected. The recall covers MY2023 production builds with affected engine serial numbers. ## Issue The **fuel tube** may have been damaged due to improper workmanship while the engine was being repaired at the factory before installation in the mower. Damage to the fuel tube can cause a fuel leak, posing fire and burn hazards. This is the same defect mechanism as the John Deere, Husqvarna, Ariens, and Gravely sibling bulletins — all five brands sourced affected engines from the same Kawasaki production batch where the fuel-tube repair workmanship issue occurred. This is distinct from the earlier CPSC 24-256 voltage-regulator recall on Kawasaki engines (June 2024) and from the CPSC 13-040 fuel-filter recall (November 2012) — different defect, different production window. The Redmax RZT48 is not currently named in CPSC 24-256 or CPSC 13-040, but owners should confirm with the dealer if they have any concerns about other Kawasaki engine recalls. Reported field incidents at recall time (combined across all affected brands): - 8 fire incidents - 0 injuries CPSC and Kawasaki did not break out the brand-level incident counts in the original notice. ## What to do 1. Locate the **engine model and serial number** on the **engine fan housing**. 2. Check the engine SN against Kawasaki's published list at https://www.kawasakienginesusa.com/product-recall.html (Kawasaki recall notice RP230415). 3. If your engine SN is in scope, **stop using the mower immediately**. 4. Contact **Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. USA** at **(866) 836-4463** Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET, or your local Redmax dealer. 5. Free Kawasaki dealer repair (fuel-tube replacement / inspection). ## Hazard Severity is rated **critical** because of the fire and burn risk from a leaking fuel tube on a hot engine. The 8 fire reports at recall time confirm the defect had manifested in the field. This severity rating matches all four sibling bulletins (TNB02600028, 036, 049, 065). ## Related bulletins This is the Redmax sibling for a multi-brand CPSC alert. Other in-library siblings: | Bulletin | Brand | Models | |---|---|---| | **TNB02600028** | John Deere | Z330M, Z330R | | **TNB02600036** | Husqvarna | TS142TXD, TS242TXD, TS242XD, Z248F, Z254F | | **TNB02600049** | Ariens | IKON, IKON Onyx, Apex | | **TNB02600065** | Gravely | ZT X, ZT XL, ZT HD, ZT HD Stealth | | **TNB02600094** | Redmax (this bulletin) | RZT48 | Note: Redmax is a Husqvarna Group brand. Despite the corporate parent relationship, the Redmax-branded portion of the recall is documented separately from the Husqvarna-branded portion (TNB02600036) per standing rule that bulletins are brand-specific. ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls Engines Used in Lawn and Garden Equipment Due to Fire and Burn Hazards (Recall Alert)," October 26, 2023. - Kawasaki recall notice RP230415. - Kawasaki product recall page: https://www.kawasakienginesusa.com/product-recall.html - Redmax product page: https://www.redmax.com/us/zero-turn-mowers/rzt48/