Recall: Snowblowers Recalled by Ariens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2000 Release # 00-059

Company Phone Number: (888) 927-4367 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Ariens Co. Announce Recall of Snowblowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ariens Co., of Brillion, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 Ariens and Lesco model snowblowers. Fuel can leak from the fuel-line connection, posing a fire hazard.

Ariens Co. has received 30 reports of fuel leaking from these snowblowers. No injuries have been reported.

The recall includes SS322 and SS522 Ariens snowblowers manufactured in 1997 and 1999 with the following model and serial numbers located on the lower handlebar of the unit:

These Ariens snowblowers are orange and have "ARIENS" and "SS322" or "SS522" written on top of the engine cover.

The recall also includes Lesco model LSS522 snowblowers with serial numbers 063699000001 through 063699000402. The Lesco snowblowers are green with a "Commercialpulse" label on the engine cover. The model number and serial numbers are on the lower handlebar of the unit.

Ariens and Lesco retail outlets, hardware stores and home centers, including Home Depot, sold these snowblowers nationwide from July 1997 through January 2000 for $450 to $560.

Consumers should stop using these snowblowers immediately, and return the unit to a local dealer for a free repair. For more information, call Ariens toll-free at (888) 927-4367 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.