Recall: Shindaiwa Inc. Announces Recall of Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2006
Release #06-146
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 521-7733
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908


Shindaiwa Inc. Announces Recall of Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers

Units: About 87,000

Importer: Shindaiwa, of Tualatin, Ore.

Hazard: The backpack blower's muffler support bracket can break, creating an opening in the muffler body. Hot exhaust gases could then escape from the muffler and melt the fuel tank or ignite grease or debris around the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa received one report of fire. No injuries reported.

Description and Models: The Shindaiwa gasoline-powered backpack blowers are red and black with a white fuel tank. Model numbers EB630 or EB630RT are printed on the body of the blowers along with Shindaiwa.

Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from July 1999 through February 2006 for about $545.

Manufactured In: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free inspection and a free repair if necessary. Consumers who have registered their equipment will receive direct correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.shindaiwa.com



Picture of Recalled Backpack Blower

Picture of Recalled Backpack Blower