(Updates with details about the manufacturer of the oil filter
in third paragraph.)
By Debbie Cai
Deere & Co. (DE) has recalled about 4,700 Gator utility
vehicles because the oil filters might leak, posing a fire
hazard.
The recall involves the Gator RSX850i Base, Sport and Trail
models manufactured in the U.S. between May and October last year.
They were sold at Deere dealers in the U.S. from August through
January for at prices ranging from $12,900 to $15,500.
Moline, Ill.-based Deere, the world largest seller of farm
machinery, said pinholes or cracks were found in the oil filters on
the Gators' engines. Deere said the filters and the engines were
manufacturered by Piaggio & C. SpA (PIA.MI) of Italy. Piaggio
didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Deere said it received four reports of Gator fires. No injury
was reported, it said.
Deere advised customers to stop using the recalled vehicles and
contact a Deere dealer for a free inspection and free repair. The
company is also contacting registered owners of the recalled
vehicles.
Deere on Wednesday said its fiscal first-quarter earnings
improved 22%, as its agriculture and turf-equipment segment made up
for weakness in its construction-and-forestry-equipment business.
Last summer's U.S. drought is fueling higher demand for farm
machinery, defying conventional notions that the worst dry spell in
a generation would damp farmers' enthusiasm for buying new
equipment.
Deere's stock Thursday closed down 0.1% at $90.57 a share.
-Bob Tita contributed to this article
Write to Debbie Cai at debbie.cai@dowjones.com
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