Recall: CPSC, Five Firms Announce Recall of Backpack Blowers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2001 Release # 01-178

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Five Firms Announce Recall of Backpack Blowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), five firms are recalling about 50,500 backpack blowers. The fuel tanks on these blowers can leak, posing a fire hazard and risk of burn injuries to consumers.

The following firms are conducting this recall: Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co., of Charlotte, N.C.; John Deere Consumer Products Inc., of Moline, Ill.; Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif.; Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc., of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Tilton Equipment Co., of Rye, N.H.

Carswell has received 159 reports of leaking fuel tanks on these blowers. Makita U.S.A has received 55 reports of leaks. John Deere has received five reports of leaks. No injuries have been reported. The other firms have not had reports of leaks.

The recalled blowers all have their brand name, model number and serial number written on the units. Consumers should check with the manufacturer to determine if their blower is part of the recall. Consumers should have their serial number available when they contact the firm.



Home centers, hardware stores and manufacturer dealers nationwide sold these blowers for between $400 and $750.

Consumers should stop using the recalled blowers immediately, and contact the manufacturer to have their blower repaired free of charge.