Deere & Co. is recalling 14,746 Gator-brand work utility vehicles sold in the U.S. over the last year. The Moline, Ill.-based manufacturer says the units have faulty brakes and could cause accidents. The buggies are common construction vehicles, shuttling workers and materials across jobsites.

The Gator 4x2 and 4x4 is included in the recall, but not the 6x4 (shown). (Photo courtesy of Deere & Co.)

The affected models fall into Deere's high-performance or "HPX" category of Gator buggies. They were sold in 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations between December 2003 and October 2004, with list prices ranging from $8,000 to $10,600. Six-wheeled models with 6x4 drive are not included in the recall, according to the manufacturer.

Deere recorded 14 incidents of low brake pressure caused by a faulty piston in the master brake cylinder of some buggies. Owners can contact their local dealer to schedule a free part replacement.

The utility buggies are sold into a variety of industries, including construction, a company spokeswoman says. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has compiled a list of applicable serial numbers, which owners can check on the Internet at www.cpsc.gov.

Before making repairs, owners also should visually inspect the brake fluid. If it is dark-gray in color, then the master cylinder has failed. "Immediately stop using the machine and advise all others…of the potential danger," says Deere's Nov. 5 safety bulletin. If the fluid appears amber, then owners should "limit severe use and use extra caution while braking" before calling dealers.