CPSC, Five Firms Announce Recall of Backpack Blowers

Recalled June 26, 2001 · CPSC recall 01178 · Five Firms

Hazard

The fuel tanks on these blowers can leak, posing a fire hazard and risk of burn injuries to consumers.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using the recalled blowers immediately, and contact the manufacturer to have their blower repaired free of charge.

Units

About 50,500

Incidents / injuries

Carswell has received 159 reports of leaking fuel tanks on these blowers. Makita U.S.A has received 55 reports of leaks. John Deere has received five reports of leaks. No injuries have been reported. The other firms have not had reports of leaks.

Description

The recalled blowers all have their brand name, model number and serial number written on the units. Consumers should check with the manufacturer to determine if their blower is part of the recall. Consumers should have their serial number available when they contact the firm. Manufacturer Model Number Dates Sold Toll-Free Number/Web Site Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. 155BT and 155BF Sold from June 1998 through June 2001 (800) 438-7297 www.husqvarna.com John Deere Consumer Products Inc. UT 26113, UT08093 and UT08104 Sold from January 1998 through April 2001 (800) 537-8233 www.johndeere.com Makita U.S.A. Inc. RBL500 Sold from March 1997 through January 2001 (800) 625-4828 www.makitaope.com Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc. FL500 Sold from December 1996 through June 2001 (800) 929-1948 www.carswelldist.com Tilton Equipment Co. TB50 Sold from August 2000 through May 2001 (800) 447-1152 www.tiltonequipment.com

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled blowers immediately, and contact the manufacturer to have their blower repaired free of charge.

Contact

Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co.: (800) 438-7297 John Deere Consumer Products Inc.: (800) 537-8233 Makita U.S.A. Inc.: (800) 625-4828 Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc.: (800) 929-1948 Tilton Equipment Co.: (800) 447-1152

Product

Backpack blowers

Manufacturer(s)

Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co., of Charlotte, N.C. · John Deere Consumer Products Inc., of Moline, Ill. · Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif. · Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc., of Winston-Salem, N.C. · Tilton Equipment Co., of Rye, N.H.

Retailers

Home centers, hardware stores and manufacturer dealers nationwide sold these blowers for between $400 and $750.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →