Recall: Go-Kart Axles Recall by Carter Brothers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
January 22, 1997	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-061

CPSC, Carter Brothers Manufacturing Announce Recall to Retrofit Go-Kart Axles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carter Brothers Manufacturing Company Inc. of Brundidge, Ala., is recalling for retrofit about 5,000 go-karts with exposed rear axles. Riders can be seriously injured or killed if their long hair or clothing becomes entangled in the rotating axle.

CPSC and Carter Brothers Manufacturing Company Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving exposed rear axles in these go-karts. This retrofit program is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The one-seat go-karts are powered by gasoline engines. Each go-kart has a model number (beginning with "17") and serial number on a red and silver label located on the frame at the side of or behind the seat.

All Carter Brothers go-karts with an exposed rear axle are involved in this retrofit program. To determine whether the rear axle is exposed, consumers should stand behind the kart, with the engine off, and push the go-kart by hand. If the axle connecting the two rear wheels rotates, the go-kart is subject to this retrofit program.

Outdoor power equipment stores, specialty stores, lawn and garden stores, and hardware stores sold the go-karts nationwide from January 1981 through December 1996 for about $900 to $2,000. The go-karts have been sold under the labels "Superwheels," "Hotbodies," "Kartwheels," "Master Karts," and "Desert Storm."

Consumers should stop using these go-karts immediately and contact Carter Brothers at (800) 523-5278, or write the company at Route 1, Box 42, Brundidge, Ala. 36010 to receive a free axle guard. Consumers should provide the model number and serial number of the kart when contacting the company. Carter Brothers will send consumers a free axle guard kit with instructions for easy installation.

Link to CPSC's provisionally accepted settlement agreement with Carter Brothers.