Recall: The Toro Company Expands Recall of Snowthrowers Posing Fire Hazard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2006
Release #06-224
Firm's Hotline: (800) 689-8671
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

The Toro Company Expands Recall of Snowthrowers Posing 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: Toro Snow Commander and CCR Single Stage Snowthrowers

(NOTE: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall announced in March 2003.)

Units: About 84,000

Manufacturer: The Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn.

Hazard: The plastic fuel tank can crack and leak gasoline, posing a risk of fire and injury.

Incidents/Injuries: Toro has received 882 additional reports of fuel tanks leaking. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall now involves 2001 and 2002 Toro Snow Commander and CCR model snowthrowers listed below. The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the axle plate between the wheels.

SNOW COMMANDER UNITS:
Model Serial Range Snowthrower Year Retail Price
38600 220000001 to 220004072 24-inch Single Stage 2002 $860
38602 220000001 to 220005931 24-inch Electric Start 2002 $960

CCR UNITS:
Model Serial Range Snowthrower Year Retail Price
38413 210010001 to 210020990 20-inch Single Stage 2001 $590
38419 210010001 to 210014725 20-inch Electric Start 2001 $690
38440 210010001 to 210015656 20-inch Single Stage 2001 $660
38445 210012082 to 210021964 20-inch Electric Start 2001 $760
38515 220000001 to 220013743 20-inch Single Stage 2002 $590
38516 220000001 to 220008930 20-inch Electric Start 2002 $690
38517 220000001 to 220010910 20-inch Single Stage 2002 $660
38518 220000210 to 220015932 20-inch Electric Start 2002 $760

Sold: Toro dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from September 2000 through March 2006.

Manufactured In: United States

Remedy: Consumers should contact their local Toro Authorized Service Dealer to find out if their snowthrower is included in the recall. If necessary, the dealer will schedule a time and install a free replacement fuel tank.

Consumer Contact: For more information contact Toro at (800) 689-8671 between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. Consumers also can visit the firm's Web site at www.toro.com - the Toro Company has notified registered owners directly.

Picture of Recalled Snowthrowers