DR Power Equipment Recalls Tow Behind Field & Brush Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard

What was recalled

In a proactive move to ensure consumer safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall involving specific models of tow-behind field and brush mowers manufactured by DR Power. This action, dated February 20, 2025, addresses a mechanical defect that could render these powerful gardening tools unsafe for their intended purpose. The recall is not broad across the entire DR Power product line; rather, it targets a very specific window of production and a distinct set of model numbers. Understanding exactly which units are affected is the first critical step in protecting yourself and your property.

The recalled products are DR Power Tow Behind Field and Brush Mowers, recognizable by their distinctive black and orange color scheme and the "DR" logo prominently printed on the front frame. These are heavy-duty attachments designed to be pulled behind tractors or other vehicles for land clearing and brush management. However, not every DR mower is part of this recall. The issue is confined strictly to units that were manufactured between April 1, 2024, and August 20, 2024. If your mower was produced before April 1, 2024, or after August 20, 2024, it is not included in this specific safety notice.

To determine if your unit is part of the recall, you must look for two key pieces of information: the model number and the serial number range. The model numbers involved are TB21044BEN (DR Brush Mower Premier 44T 10.5 HP BS ES), TB23244BEN (DR Brush Mower Pro 44T 17.5 HP BS ES), TB25344BEN (DR Brush Mower Pro XL44T 20 HP BS ES), and TB27052BEN (DR Brush Mower Pro Max52T 22 HP BS ES). These model numbers are printed on a white label located on the front frame of the mower. Additionally, you must check the serial number against specific ranges provided by DR Power for each model. For instance, the TB21044BEN models with serial numbers ranging from 3014835626 to 3015507481 are included, while other models have their own unique serial number boundaries.

The recall covers a significant volume of equipment, though the exact total number of units is defined by these serial number ranges. These mowers were sold through authorized DR Power dealers nationwide during the specified manufacturing period. Because these are specialized agricultural and landscaping tools, they may be found in both commercial farming operations and residential properties with large acreage. If you purchased one of these mowers within the last year from a reputable dealer, it is essential to verify its identity against the details above. The manufacturer has identified that the blade carrier spindle bolt on these specific units can loosen over time, leading to the detachment of the blade assembly while the mower is in operation. This recall aims to rectify this mechanical flaw before it results in serious injury.

The hazard, explained

When you are operating a tow-behind field or brush mower, your safety relies heavily on the integrity of its cutting mechanism. In this specific recall, the issue centers on a critical component known as the blade carrier spindle bolt. Think of this bolt as the primary anchor that holds the heavy, rotating blade assembly in place against the mower’s frame. Under normal circumstances, this bolt is tightened to precise specifications to withstand the immense centrifugal forces generated when the blades spin at high speeds. However, in the affected DR Power mowers, this bolt has a tendency to become loose over time or due to vibration during operation.

Once that spindle bolt loosens, it creates a dangerous chain reaction. The blade assembly is no longer securely fastened to the mower’s chassis. As you continue to pull the unit across rough terrain, brush, or fields, the violent shaking and torque can cause the entire blade assembly to detach completely while the mower is still in motion. This is not a minor malfunction; it is a sudden mechanical failure where a heavy, sharp, high-speed object becomes unmoored from its housing.

The resulting harm comes from two main factors: proximity and velocity. Because these mowers are towed directly behind a vehicle or ATV, the blade assembly operates relatively close to the operator’s position, especially if you are walking alongside the equipment for guidance. If the assembly detaches, it can swing outward or fly off at high speed. The blades on these units are designed to cut through tough vegetation, meaning they are exceptionally sharp and heavy. A detached blade assembly poses a severe laceration hazard because it can strike the operator’s legs, feet, or lower body with significant force.

While the company has reported ten incidents of this detachment occurring, it is fortunate that no injuries have been recorded so far. This underscores how unpredictable and dangerous this specific failure mode is. A loose bolt might seem like a small maintenance oversight, but in the context of high-speed rotating machinery, it transforms a tool into an uncontrolled projectile. The risk is not just about the mower breaking down; it is about the physical danger posed by a sharp, detached object flying near you while you are trying to manage the equipment. Understanding this mechanism helps explain why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation, but a necessary safety precaution.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing risk in this recall consists of homeowners, landscapers, and agricultural workers who have purchased DR Power Tow Behind Field and Brush Mowers manufactured between April 1, 2024, and August 20, 2024. These individuals are typically engaged in clearing dense vegetation, brush, or small trees from their property. Because these machines are designed to be towed behind a vehicle while the operator stands on the mower deck or walks alongside it, the user is in extremely close proximity to the cutting mechanism. This physical positioning means that if the blade carrier spindle bolt becomes loose and the blade assembly detaches during operation, there is very little distance between the user and the high-speed rotating parts that could cause injury.

While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recorded ten reports of blade carrier detachments with no reported injuries to date, the potential for severe laceration remains a serious concern for all users. The risk is not limited by age or physical strength but rather by the nature of the work and the mechanical failure mode. Users operating these mowers in uneven terrain or while maneuvering through thick brush are particularly vulnerable. The vibration and torque generated during mowing can exacerbate the loosening of the spindle bolt, increasing the likelihood of detachment at any moment. Consequently, anyone who owns one of the affected models—such as the TB21044BEN, TB23244BEN, TB25344BEN, or TB27052BEN—and has used it since its manufacture date is considered at risk until the free repair is completed.

It is important to note that while no specific demographic like children or the elderly is uniquely targeted by this mechanical failure, the consequences of the hazard are severe for anyone nearby. The laceration hazard posed by a detached blade assembly can result in serious cuts and injuries to the legs, feet, and lower body, which are the parts of the user most exposed to the mower deck. Therefore, the "at-risk" population is defined strictly by ownership and usage of the recalled equipment rather than by age or health status. If you fall into this group, it is crucial to understand that the risk is active and ongoing until the product is repaired. The absence of reported injuries so far is fortunate, but it does not eliminate the danger; it simply means that a catastrophic event has not yet occurred in these specific units. Staying vigilant and adhering to the recall remedy is the only way to ensure safety for yourself and anyone who might be near you while operating the mower.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own a DR Power Tow Behind Field or Brush Mower, determining whether your specific unit is part of this recall requires a careful check of both the physical labels on the machine and the dates of its manufacture. Because the hazard involves a specific mechanical failure in the blade assembly, it is crucial to verify that your mower falls within the exact model ranges and serial number windows defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Do not rely solely on the general appearance of the equipment; the identification must be precise to ensure you are covered by the free repair remedy.

First, visually confirm that you have a DR Power branded unit. These mowers are distinctively colored in black and orange, with the letters "DR" clearly printed on the front of the machine. This is a tow-behind model designed for field and brush clearing, not a standard lawn mower. Once you have confirmed the brand and general type, you need to locate two specific pieces of information: the model number and the serial number, which are found on separate white labels affixed to different parts of the frame.

The primary identification label is located on the front frame of the mower. This white label displays the Model Description and the Serial Number Range. You need to compare your unit’s details against the four specific models included in this recall. If your mower matches any of the following, proceed to check the manufacturing date:

• TB21044BEN (DR BRUSH MOWER PREMIER 44T 10.5 HP BS ES): Serial numbers ranging from 3014835626 to 3015507481.
• TB23244BEN (DR BRUSH MOWER PRO 44T 17.5 HP BS ES): Serial numbers ranging from 3014860338 to 3015403241.
• TB25344BEN (DR BRUSH MOWER PRO XL44T 20 HP BS ES): Serial numbers ranging from 3014916847 to 3015451110.
• TB27052BEN (DR BRUSH MOWER PRO MAX52T 22 HP BS ES): Serial numbers ranging from 3014839204 to 3015534243.

If your serial number falls within one of these ranges, you must then verify the production date. Locate the secondary white label affixed to the rear frame of the unit. This label contains the manufacture date in YYYYMMDD format. Only mowers manufactured between April 1, 2024, and August 20, 2024, are included in this recall. If your unit was made before or after this window, it is not part of this specific safety notice. Double-check both the serial range on the front label and the date on the rear label to be absolutely certain.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your DR Power mower is part of this specific recall, the good news is that you do not need to worry about the cost of fixing the problem. The manufacturer, DR Power, has arranged for a free repair of the blade carrier assembly. This remedy is designed to be straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring that you can resolve the safety issue without incurring any additional expenses or navigating complex warranty claims.

The core of the remedy involves getting your mower repaired at an authorized dealer’s location. You are not expected to perform this repair yourself, nor should you attempt to fix the blade carrier spindle bolt on your own. Instead, you need to contact DR Power directly to initiate the process. They will coordinate with their network of dealers to arrange for the necessary service. This approach ensures that the repair is handled by professionals who have the correct parts and expertise, maintaining the integrity and safety standards of your equipment.

To get started, you can reach DR Power through several convenient channels. You may call their toll-free number at 800-458-4362. This line is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, making it easy to find a time that works for you if you are calling during standard business hours. If you prefer written communication or need to provide detailed information about your model and serial number, you can send an email to recalls@DRPower.com. For those who like to manage their requests online, DR Power has dedicated recall pages on their website. You can visit http://drpower.com/recalls or go to www.drpower.com and click on the "Product Recalls" section for more information and instructions.

It is important to note that the remedy provided is a repair of the blade carrier assembly, not a refund or a replacement of the entire unit. The recall notice does not mention any option for a full refund or swapping your mower for a new model. Therefore, if your primary concern is financial compensation rather than safety, this recall program may not offer that path. However, given the severity of the laceration hazard described, prioritizing the free repair is the most prudent step. By having the blade carrier assembly repaired at a dealer, you eliminate the risk of the blade detaching during operation, which could cause serious injury to you or bystanders.

When you contact DR Power, be prepared to provide your model number and serial number. As noted in the recall details, these are printed on white labels located on the front and rear frames of your mower. Having this information ready will help customer service verify that your specific unit is included in the recall and expedite the appointment scheduling process. Remember, the goal here is to restore your mower to a safe operating condition quickly and at no cost to you.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might be tempted to keep using your DR Power Tow Behind Field & Brush Mower despite the recall notice. Perhaps you are in the middle of a critical landscaping project, or maybe you simply want to avoid the hassle of contacting customer service and waiting for repairs. However, ignoring this safety alert is not just a matter of convenience; it is a direct gamble with your physical safety. The core issue here is mechanical reliability under stress. The recall identifies a specific failure point: the blade carrier spindle bolt. In normal operation, the mower’s engine generates significant torque to spin heavy-duty blades capable of cutting through dense brush and thick vegetation. This creates immense rotational force and vibration. If the spindle bolt becomes loose, it loses its ability to hold the blade assembly securely in place. When that happens, the entire blade assembly can detach from the mower while it is moving at high speed.

The consequences of this detachment are immediate and severe. A detached blade assembly does not simply fall to the ground harmlessly; it becomes a high-velocity projectile or an uncontrolled swinging object. Because these mowers are towed behind a vehicle, they move across uneven terrain, often at speeds that require operator attention on the road ahead rather than constantly monitoring the mower itself. If the blade assembly detaches, it can strike the operator, passengers, bystanders, or nearby property with tremendous force. The hazard is explicitly defined as a laceration risk, which means the sharp edges of the detached blades can cause deep, serious cuts to skin and muscle tissue. In worst-case scenarios, such impacts can lead to fractures, nerve damage, or other traumatic injuries that require extensive medical intervention.

While the company reports that no injuries have been confirmed in the ten documented cases of blade carrier detachments so far, this statistic offers little comfort when considering the potential outcome for you. The absence of reported injuries is a fortunate statistical coincidence, not a guarantee of safety. It suggests that the defect exists and has manifested mechanically, but luck has prevented harm in those specific instances. Relying on luck is not a safety strategy. Every time you operate the mower with a loose spindle bolt, you are increasing the probability that the next detachment will result in contact with a person. The risk is not theoretical; it is a mechanical certainty that a failure can occur at any moment during operation.

Beyond the personal physical danger, there are secondary risks to consider. A detached heavy metal component flying from a moving mower can damage your tow vehicle, other equipment, or surrounding infrastructure. It can also create dangerous debris fields on worksites, posing risks to workers who may not see the initial detachment and could be struck by subsequent fragments. By ignoring the recall, you are not only putting yourself at risk but potentially endangering everyone around you. The remedy offered is free and straightforward, designed specifically to eliminate this mechanical failure mode. Choosing to bypass it means choosing to accept an unnecessary and preventable level of danger in your daily activities.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a mechanical failure in DR Power mowers, the underlying principle applies to all tow-behind agricultural and landscaping equipment: regular maintenance is your first line of defense against catastrophic failure. The hazard described here—a blade assembly detaching due to a loose bolt—highlights why vibration-resistant hardware matters so much. When you operate heavy machinery that pulls across uneven terrain, the constant shaking can work fasteners loose over time, even if they were tightened perfectly when new. To stay safe with any towed implement, make it a habit to inspect critical bolts and pins before every single use. Look for signs of wear, stripped threads, or missing locking nuts. If your equipment manual recommends torque specifications or thread-locking compounds, follow those instructions precisely. This proactive approach prevents not just blade detachment, but also loosened wheels, broken hitch components, and other failures that can turn a routine chore into a dangerous emergency.

Beyond mechanical checks, situational awareness is equally critical when operating high-powered field equipment. Because these mowers cut at high speeds and throw debris with significant force, always ensure that bystanders, pets, and children are kept at a safe distance—typically at least 100 feet in all directions. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including heavy-duty gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and eye protection. It is also wise to clear the mowing area of rocks, wires, and other hard objects that could be picked up by the blades and become dangerous projectiles. If you must stop the mower for any reason, turn off the engine and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before dismounting or inspecting the unit.

Finally, stay informed about product safety beyond just this one brand. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and manufacturers issue recalls regularly for items ranging from power tools to home appliances. Sign up for email alerts on CPSC.gov or create a free account to receive notifications directly. Regularly check the manufacturer’s website for your specific equipment model, especially as you approach the one-year mark since purchase, as many issues are identified during early use cycles. Keeping a log of your equipment’s maintenance history and serial numbers can also speed up any future recall processes, ensuring you get the necessary repairs or replacements quickly and without hassle. Safety is not just about reacting to known problems; it is about building habits that prevent them from happening in the first place.