What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall concerning specific attachments manufactured by Doosan Bobcat North America. These are not standalone mowers, but rather deck attachments designed to be mounted onto tractors, specifically the Bobcat and Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck Attachments. If you own one of these attachments, it is important to understand exactly which units are involved so you can take immediate action to ensure safety during maintenance or service.
The affected products are all black in color and feature clear labeling that reads "AirFX" on the deck. The recall covers two primary sizes of decks: a 72-inch model and a 61-inch model. To identify if your specific unit is part of this recall, you must look at the rear of the attachment, specifically on the right-side frame rail where the model number is located. Do not rely solely on the size printed on the deck; you must verify the exact model number to be certain.
The following model numbers are included in this recall:
- 7526575: This is the 72-inch AirFX model.
- 7526579: This is the 61-inch AirFX model.
- 7449223: This is the 61-inch AirFx Finish Mower.
- 7447341: This is the 72-inch AirFx Finish Mower.
While the recall announcement does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific retail stores where they were purchased, it confirms that Doosan Bobcat North America is actively contacting all known purchasers. The recall was officially announced on February 6, 2025. If you are unsure whether you own one of these models, check the label on the rear right-side frame rail of your attachment. If the model number matches one of the four listed above, your attachment is part of this recall and requires immediate attention.
It is crucial to note that this recall affects the functionality of the locking pins used to secure the mower deck in place. These attachments are designed to be lifted into an upright or tilted position for maintenance, but the defective locking pins cannot reliably hold them there. This means that if you own any of these specific model numbers, you should stop using the attachment for any service work until you have either obtained the free repair from Doosan Bobcat or implemented the temporary safety measures described in the remedy section.
Doosan Bobcat North America is responsible for this recall and is working to resolve the issue. They are reaching out to customers directly, but it is also your responsibility to inspect your equipment. If you have any of the listed model numbers, do not assume that the attachment is safe to use for maintenance purposes. The potential for the deck to fall unexpectedly is a serious risk that needs to be addressed immediately.
If you cannot find your model number or are unsure about the specifics of your attachment, contact Doosan Bobcat North America at 800-743-4340 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. You can also visit www.bobcat.com/na/en/parts-service/service/recalls or click on "Recalls" at the bottom of the page at www.bobcat.com for more information. They will be able to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall and guide you through the next steps.
Remember, this recall is not about the mower deck cutting grass; it is about the safety mechanism that holds the deck in place when you are working on it. The defect lies in the inability of the locking pins to secure the deck during maintenance or service. This means that while the deck may function perfectly well for mowing, it is unsafe to rely on the locking pins to hold it up when you need to perform any repairs or inspections underneath it.
The recall affects both Bobcat and Steiner branded decks, so do not be misled by the brand name alone. The key identifier is the model number and the "AirFX" labeling. If you have any of the four model numbers listed above, your attachment is part of this recall. Take the time to check your equipment now, before you need to perform any maintenance. It is much easier to address this issue proactively than to deal with a potential accident.
Doosan Bobcat North America is contacting all known purchasers to inform them of the recall. However, it is possible that some customers may not receive this notification in time. Therefore, it is your responsibility to verify whether your attachment is affected. If you have any of the listed model numbers, do not delay in taking action. The safety of yourself and others depends on it.
The recall was announced on February 6, 2025, and Doosan Bobcat North America is working to provide a free repair. Until that repair is available, they have provided temporary safety measures. These include using straps to secure the deck if the locking pins cannot be inserted. If you are unable to obtain these straps, Doosan Bobcat will provide them at no cost. This shows their commitment to resolving the issue quickly and safely.
In summary, the recall affects specific Bobcat and Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck Attachments with model numbers 7526575, 7526579, 7449223, and 7447341. These units have a defect in their locking pins that prevents them from being secured in the upright or tilted position. This poses a crush hazard during maintenance or service. If you own any of these models, contact Doosan Bobcat North America immediately for instructions on how to obtain a free repair or temporary safety measures.
The recall is specific to these model numbers and does not affect other mower decks. However, if you are unsure whether your attachment is affected, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Contact Doosan Bobcat North America at 800-743-4340 or visit their website for more information. They will be able to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall and guide you through the next steps.
It is important to act quickly, as the hazard poses a serious risk of injury. The locking pins are critical for safety during maintenance, and their failure can lead to the deck falling unexpectedly. Do not ignore this recall. Take the time to inspect your attachment now and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
The recall was announced on February 6, 2025, and Doosan Bobcat North America is working to resolve the issue. They are contacting all known purchasers and providing free repairs. In the meantime, they have provided temporary safety measures to prevent accidents. These measures include using straps to secure the deck if the locking pins cannot be inserted.
If you have any of the listed model numbers, do not delay in taking action. The safety of yourself and others depends on it. Contact Doosan Bobcat North America immediately for instructions on how to obtain a free repair or temporary safety measures. They will be able to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall and guide you through the next steps.
The recall affects both Bobcat and Steiner branded decks, so do not be misled by the brand name alone. The key identifier is the model number and the "AirFX" labeling. If you have any of the four model numbers listed above, your attachment is part of this recall. Take the time to check your equipment now, before you need to perform any maintenance. It is much easier to address this issue proactively than to deal with a potential accident.
Doosan Bobcat North America is contacting all known purchasers to inform them of the recall. However, it is possible that some customers may not receive this notification in time. Therefore, it is your responsibility to verify whether your attachment is affected. If you have any of the listed model numbers, do not delay in taking action. The safety of yourself and others depends on it.
The recall was announced on February 6, 2025, and Doosan Bobcat North America is working to provide a free repair. Until that repair is available, they have provided temporary safety measures. These include using straps to secure the deck if the locking pins cannot be inserted. If you are unable to obtain these straps, Doosan Bobcat will provide them at no cost. This shows their commitment to resolving the issue quickly and safely.
In summary, the recall affects specific Bobcat and Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck Attachments with model numbers 7526575, 7526579, 7449223, and 7447341. These units have a defect in their locking pins that prevents them from being secured in the upright or tilted position. This poses a crush hazard during maintenance or service. If you own any of these models, contact Doosan Bobcat North America immediately for instructions on how to obtain a free repair or temporary safety measures.
The recall is specific to these model numbers and does not affect other mower decks. However, if you are unsure whether your attachment is affected, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Contact Doosan Bobcat North America at 800-743-4340 or visit their website for
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a critical failure in the mechanical design that prevents the mower deck from staying securely in place when you are not actively mowing. When you finish a job or need to perform maintenance on your tractor, the standard procedure involves lifting the heavy Bobcat & Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck into an upright or tilted position. This is done to give you clear access to the underside of the deck for cleaning, blade sharpening, or inspection. Under normal circumstances, sturdy metal locking pins are designed to slide into place, acting as a physical barrier that holds the deck firmly in that raised position. These pins are your primary safety guarantee that the heavy attachment will not move on its own while you have your hands and body underneath it.
In the specific units affected by this recall, the locking pins cannot be properly inserted or secured when the deck is in these upright or tilted positions. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a fundamental breakdown of the safety mechanism. Because the pins fail to engage, there is nothing physically stopping the mower deck from dropping. The deck is heavy, and gravity is always working against you. If the locking mechanism does not hold, the entire weight of the steel cutting deck can collapse downward unexpectedly. This creates a severe crush hazard, where your hands, arms, or torso could be trapped between the falling deck and the tractor frame or the ground.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at how these attachments operate. These mower decks are built for durability and cutting power, which means they are substantial in weight. When a heavy object falls from even a few feet above, the force generated is immense and instantaneous. In industrial and agricultural settings, crush injuries are among the most serious types of accidents because they can cause broken bones, internal organ damage, or worse. The fact that five incidents have been reported where the pins could not be installed highlights that this is a real, recurring issue, not just a theoretical risk. Although no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for catastrophic harm is high because the failure mode—uncontrolled dropping—is unpredictable and leaves little time for reaction.
The danger is particularly acute during maintenance. When you are servicing a mower, you are often leaning under the equipment, reaching with tools, or positioning your body in tight spaces to get a good look at the blades or belts. In these positions, your ability to quickly jump out of the way is limited. If the deck slips while you are focused on a bolt or a blade, you may not see it coming until it is too late. The design flaw essentially removes the "hard stop" that protects workers in this vulnerable position, turning a routine maintenance task into a high-risk activity if proper alternative precautions are not taken.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing potential harm from this recall consists of individuals who regularly operate or perform maintenance on Bobcat and Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck attachments. This includes professional landscaping crews, agricultural workers, and serious homeowners who utilize these specific heavy-duty deck models—specifically the 61-inch and 72-inch variants with model numbers 7526579, 7526575, 7449223, or 7447341. The risk is not passive; it emerges during moments of service when the equipment is stationary but under significant mechanical tension.
The specific hazard involves the locking pins failing to secure the mower deck in its upright or tilted position. For the average user, this might seem like a minor inconvenience if the deck simply fails to stay up while you are trying to clean it. However, for anyone working underneath or near the deck while it is elevated, the consequences can be severe. The "crush hazard" refers to the heavy metal components of the mower deck, which can weigh hundreds of pounds. If the locking mechanism fails during maintenance, gravity takes over instantly. There is no warning sound or gradual movement; the deck can collapse without any indication that the safety pin has slipped out of its slot.
While no injuries have been reported in the five known incidents so far, the potential for catastrophic injury remains high for several reasons. First, maintenance often requires workers to be directly under or adjacent to the deck to access blades, belts, or hydraulic lines. If a worker is reaching into the mechanism to adjust something and the deck drops, their arms, legs, or torso could be pinned against the tractor frame or the ground. The force required to crush bone or cause internal trauma is easily generated by these heavy attachments.
Certain individuals may be at even greater risk due to physical vulnerability. Older workers, whose bones may be more fragile and who might have slower reflexes in an emergency, could suffer fractures or long-term disability from a sudden crush event. Similarly, younger workers or those with less experience might not recognize the subtle signs that a locking pin is not fully engaged until it is too late. The risk is also compounded by the nature of the work environment; these tasks are often performed outdoors on uneven ground where stability is already compromised. If a worker loses their balance while trying to brace against a falling deck, they may not be able to escape in time. Therefore, the most vulnerable individuals are those who rely on this equipment for their livelihood or regular hobby and who must physically interact with the unsecured parts during routine upkeep.
It is also important to note that bystanders, such as family members or colleagues standing nearby, could be struck by falling debris or components if the deck fails violently. While they are not directly under the deck, the unpredictable nature of mechanical failure means that secondary injuries are a real possibility. This is why the recall emphasizes immediate inspection and temporary strapping solutions for everyone involved in the use of these machines.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your specific piece of equipment is part of this recall. The affected products are Bobcat and Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck attachments manufactured by Doosan Bobcat North America. To identify your unit, you need to look for specific physical characteristics and locate the model number plate. Start by checking the overall appearance of the mower deck. These recalled units are painted all black. You should also look for clear labeling that reads "AirFX" on the body of the attachment.
The most reliable way to confirm if your equipment is included in this safety notice is to find the model number. This information is located on the rear of the attachment, specifically on the right-side frame rail. The recall covers four distinct model numbers, which correspond to different deck widths and configurations. Please compare the number on your unit against the following list:
- Model 7526575: This is the 72-inch AirFX model.
- Model 7526579: This is the 61-inch AirFX model.
- Model 7449223: This is the 61-inch AirFX Finish Mower.
- Model 7447341: This is the 72-inch AirFX Finish Mower.
If your mower deck matches any of these four model numbers, it is part of the recall. The recall was announced on February 6, 2025, but these attachments have been in circulation for some time, so the date of purchase is less relevant than the model number itself. The hazard stems from a design flaw where the locking pins cannot be properly inserted to secure the deck during maintenance. Therefore, simply knowing you own an AirFX deck is not enough; you must verify the specific model number to ensure you are affected.
If you cannot find the model number on the right-side frame rail, or if the label is worn off, it is best to contact Doosan Bobcat North America directly for assistance. They can help you identify your unit using other details you might have from your purchase records. Do not attempt to use the mower deck for service tasks until you have confirmed its status and applied the appropriate safety measures outlined in this notice.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Bobcat or Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck attachment, your immediate priority is to address a specific mechanical risk: the locking pins may fail to secure the deck in its upright or tilted position during maintenance. This isn’t something to wait on. The recall notice from Doosan Bobcat North America outlines a clear path forward that prioritizes your safety above all else. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure you are protected while waiting for the official repair solution.
Step 1: Perform an Immediate Inspection
Before attempting any service work, you must verify whether your specific unit is affected by this locking mechanism failure. Take a moment to inspect your mower deck. Look at the rear of the attachment, specifically on the right-side frame rail, to find the model number. The recall applies to four specific models: the 72" AirFX (Model #7526575), the 61" AirFX (Model #7526579), the 61" AirFx Finish Mower (Model #7449223), and the 72" AirFx Finish Mower (Model #7447341). Once you have confirmed your model number, attempt to insert the locking pins while the deck is in either the upright or tilted position. If the pins slide in easily and lock securely, that is a good sign. However, if you find that the pins cannot be inserted or do not hold the deck firmly in place, you are dealing with the recalled hazard.
Step 2: Implement the Interim Safety Measure
If your locking pins fail to secure the deck as described above, Doosan Bobcat advises against using the standard locking mechanism until a permanent fix is available. Instead, you must create your own secure restraint system. You will need two heavy-duty straps, each rated for at least 1,500 lbs. Wrap one strap around your tractor’s front left axle and secure it to the mower deck. Repeat this process with the second strap on the right front axle. This dual-strapping method acts as a critical backup to prevent the deck from falling unexpectedly while you are working underneath or near it. Do not skip this step, even if you plan to use the equipment for light tasks; gravity does not negotiate.
Step 3: Contact Doosan Bobcat for Permanent Resolution
Doosan Bobcat North America is currently preparing a free repair kit to resolve this issue permanently. They are actively contacting all known purchasers, but you should not wait passively for that call if you need immediate assistance. Reach out to them directly at 800-743-4340 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. You can also visit their website at www.bobcat.com/na/en/parts-service/service/recalls or navigate to the "Recalls" section at the bottom of www.bobcat.com for detailed updates. If you are unable to source the required 1,500 lb straps locally, let them know during your call; they will provide these straps to you at no cost.
Step 4: Await and Install the Repair
Once you have established safety with the strap method and contacted the manufacturer, wait for their instructions regarding the free repair. When the repair solution becomes available, follow the provided guidelines to have it installed. This will restore the original engineering safeguards of your mower deck, allowing you to return to normal maintenance procedures without relying on temporary workarounds.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Bobcat or Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck attachments, Doosan Bobcat North America is committed to making things right without costing you a dime. The primary remedy for this recall is a free repair. It is important to understand that while the company is actively reaching out to all known purchasers to inform them of the issue, the physical repair solution will not be available immediately. Instead, Doosan Bobcat North America has stated that the free repair parts or service will be available in the "near future." This timeline is standard for many automotive and heavy equipment recalls, as manufacturers must first engineer a permanent fix and then distribute it through their dealer network.
Until that official repair is ready to be installed, you are not left without options. The recall instructions provide a clear, interim safety procedure that you can follow right now to keep yourself safe while waiting for the permanent fix. If your locking pins cannot be inserted to secure the deck in the upright or tilted position during maintenance or service, Doosan Bobcat North America instructs consumers to use a specific makeshift securing method. You will need to obtain two straps, each rated for at least 1,500 lbs. These straps should be wrapped around each front tractor axle and then secured to the mower deck whenever you are performing any service or maintenance work. This temporary measure is designed to prevent the deck from falling unexpectedly, addressing the crush hazard directly.
We recognize that finding the right heavy-duty straps might not be convenient for everyone. If you are unable to obtain these straps on your own, Doosan Bobcat North America has arranged for them to be provided at no cost to you. You do not need to purchase them yourself and seek reimbursement; simply contact the company, and they will send the necessary materials. This demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that safety barriers are accessible to every owner, regardless of their ability to source specific hardware quickly.
To initiate this process, whether you need information on the upcoming repair or require the interim straps, you can contact Doosan Bobcat North America directly. You may call them at 800-743-4340 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.bobcat.com/na/en/parts-service/service/recalls or go to www.bobcat.com and click on "Recalls" at the bottom of the page for more detailed information and next steps. There is no refund option mentioned in this recall; the focus is entirely on repairing the defect to restore safe operation.
What can happen if you ignore it
When you choose to continue using a recalled Bobcat or Steiner AirFX Finish Mower Deck attachment without addressing the locking pin issue, you are essentially gambling with your physical safety and the integrity of your equipment. The core problem is not merely an inconvenience; it is a fundamental failure of the machine’s safety architecture during maintenance. These mower decks are heavy, precision-engineered pieces of steel designed to operate under significant hydraulic pressure and mechanical stress. Under normal circumstances, the locking pins serve as the primary physical barrier that keeps the deck in a stable, upright, or tilted position when you step away from the tractor controls. When these pins cannot be inserted, that critical safety lock is removed.
The real-world consequence of ignoring this defect is the potential for a catastrophic crush hazard. If the locking mechanism fails during service, the heavy mower deck can drop unexpectedly. This is not a gentle lowering; it is a rapid, uncontrolled descent driven by gravity and residual hydraulic pressure. For anyone standing near the tractor, particularly those working on the underside of the deck or adjusting components underneath, this sudden movement can cause severe crushing injuries to hands, arms, legs, or even more critical parts of the body. The weight of a 61-inch or 72-inch finish mower deck is substantial enough to cause permanent disability or fatal trauma in an instant. While Doosan Bobcat North America has currently reported five incidents where the locking pins could not be installed, they have noted no injuries to date. This lack of reported harm is fortunate, but it does not mean the risk is absent—it means the danger is latent and waiting for a moment of carelessness or bad luck.
Beyond the immediate threat to your body, ignoring this recall also exposes you to significant financial liability and equipment damage. An uncontrolled drop can bend the deck frame, damage the hydraulic lines, break linkages, or destroy the tractor’s mounting points. Repairing these secondary damages often costs far more than the free remedy provided by the manufacturer. Furthermore, if an accident does occur because you continued to use a known defective product without taking the mandatory safety steps, your insurance coverage could be complicated or denied, leaving you personally responsible for medical bills and property damage. The recall exists precisely because the manufacturer has identified a predictable point of failure. By acting now, you are not just following rules; you are actively removing a ticking time bomb from your workflow. The temporary workaround of using 1,500-lb straps is designed to bridge this gap safely until the official repair arrives. Skipping that step entirely leaves you unprotected against the very hazard the recall was issued to prevent.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a mechanical failure in Bobcat and Steiner mower decks, the underlying principle is universal: heavy equipment demands respect for both its weight and its potential energy. When working with large attachments like finish mower decks, the danger rarely comes from the machine’s power while it is running; instead, it stems from gravity taking over when the machine is stationary. This is why proper support systems are not optional—they are the primary defense against catastrophic injury. Always ensure that any raised component is secured by a dedicated mechanical lock or a rated safety device before you place any part of your body underneath it. Relying solely on hydraulic pressure is a common mistake because hydraulics can fail, leak, or release pressure unexpectedly due to temperature changes or internal valve issues. Mechanical locks and physical struts are passive safety features that do not require power to remain engaged.
Beyond the immediate act of maintenance, staying safe involves cultivating a habit of regular inspection and awareness. Before you begin any work on your equipment, take a moment to walk around it. Look for signs of wear on locking pins, cracks in frame rails, or hydraulic hose damage that could indicate future failure. Furthermore, keep a well-stocked emergency kit nearby when working outdoors. This should include basic first-aid supplies, a charged mobile phone for communication, and the contact information for your local emergency services. If you are working alone, consider establishing a check-in protocol with a family member or neighbor so they know where you are and when to expect you to return.
Another critical layer of protection is staying informed about product safety across all your tools and appliances. Manufacturers issue recalls not because they want to cause trouble, but because they have identified a defect that could lead to fire, injury, or death. Make it a routine part of your home maintenance calendar to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or sign up for email alerts from the agencies you trust. Registering your major purchases with the manufacturer immediately after buying them is also a smart move; this ensures that if a safety notice is issued, it reaches you directly rather than getting lost in the mail. By proactively managing your equipment’s condition and staying current on safety information, you transform from a passive user into an active guardian of your own well-being.
Finally, never underestimate the importance of using the right tools for the job. Using improvised supports, such as wooden blocks or bricks, to hold up heavy machinery is dangerous because these materials can slip, crush, or degrade under load. Always use manufacturer-approved safety stands or straps rated for the specific weight of your attachment. When in doubt, consult your operator’s manual or contact a professional dealer. Your safety is worth more than the few minutes it might take to find the correct support method. By adhering to these general best practices, you create a safer environment not just for yourself, but for anyone who might interact with your equipment in the future.