Recalls: Yard and Garden
Weed Trimmer Repaired by Black & Decker NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Phone number change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued April 29, 1986; Revised April 18, 2005 Release # 86-26 Weed Trimmer Repair Program Announced Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., Towson, MD, today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 647,000 of its Push Button Command Feed Weed/Grass Trimmers produced between 1981 and 1984. These trimmers are being recalled because the fan and cap assembly may fracture, throwing pieces that could injure the user or bystanders. Black & Decker is aware of 102 reports of fan/cap breakage, some resulting in injuries involving lacerations and bruises to the feet and legs. The products were sold nationwide under the Black & Decker label, and also under the labels of Montgomery Ward and McCulloch Corporation. Consumers are urged immediately to stop using the affected trimmers and return them to a Black & Decker Service Center listed in the yellow pages under "Tools - Electric" so that the trimmers can be repaired at no cost to the consumer. The following trimmers are subject to the recall: Black & Decker Models 8243 (Types 1 & 2) 8251 (Types 1 b 2) 8255 (Type 1) Montgomery Ward Models XBA 2098A XBA 2098B XBA 2099A McCulloch Corporation Models MAC 30 (Type 1) MAC 40 (Type 1) The affected trimmers can be identified by a label decal tag located near the top of the trimmer between the auxillary handle and the top handle. The trimmers sold for a price of between $40 - $75 and use a nylon line to cut weeds and grass. They are being voluntarily recalled because the black rotating fan and cap assembly, attached to the motor below the guard on the Trimmers, may fracture during use. If this happens, pieces of the assembly could be thrown out from under the guard. This could present a potential safety hazard for users and by-standers, who could be cut and bruised by the thrown pieces. Black & Decker has developed a new fan and cap assembly for these trimmers to safeguard against any future possibility of failure. The neti assembly will be installed on trimmers returned to Black & Decker. All owners of the trimmers should take them to a Black & Decker Service Center or telephone their local Black & Decker Service Center for assistance. Owners who need additional information about the recall nay call Black & Decker toll-free at (800) 544-6986 on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern time. Black & Decker is mailing letters providing instructions to those persons who, after purchasing their trimmer, mailed in the Registration Cards. Read more.
Storage Of Black & Decker Lawn Mowers Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 1980 Release # 80-037 Consumers Warned To Take Safety Steps In Storage Of Black & Decker Lawn Mowers WASHINGTON, D.C. ( October 2, 1980 ) -- Owners of more than 18,000 cordless battery-powered lawn mowers are being warned that a possible defect in the mower's battery may pose a fire hazard while the mower sits unused in a garage or storage area. The warning is being issued jointly by the manufacturer, Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. of Towson, Maryland, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The company has received eight separate complaints from consumers reporting that the battery on their lawn mower caught on fire while in storage. Black & Decker currently is conducting tests on their model 8055 cordless battery-powered mowers to determine the exact cause of the fires. There have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to the fires. In addition, neither CPSC nor the company has received reports of battery fires occurring while the lawn mowers were being used by consumers. The Black & Decker lawn mowers are orange and white in color and have two blades which produce a 19-inch cut. They were manufactured in 1976 and sold nationwide in hardware stores and other retail outlets between January, 1976 and August, 1980. The model number 8055 is embossed with the words "19-inch Cordless Twin Motor" on the top of the plastic housing next to the battery. While the company is conducting tests and developing a program to repair the lawn mowers, consumers are being urged to remove the fuses from the battery before placing the mower in storage. Consumers also are being advised to store the mower at a safe distance from flammable materials. To obtain instructions on how to remove the battery fuses, other safety precautions, and to arrange for future corrections by Black & Decker Service Centers, consumers should call Black & Decker's toll-free number at 800-638-3830. Maryland residents should Call Black & Decker collect at 301-820-2406. Read more.
