Recall: Echo Inc. Recall of Gas-Powered Hand Tools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued June 29, 2004, Revised July 1, 2005 Release # 04-171

Firm's Contact Number: (800) 673-1558 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Note: Telephone Number Change.

CPSC, Echo Inc. Announce Recall of Gas-Powered Hand Tools

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Echo-brand grass trimmers, brush cutters, hedge clippers, power blowers and power edgers

Units: About 540,000

Manufacturer/Importer: Echo Inc., of Lake Zurich, Ill.

Hazard: The fuel lines on these tools can develop an "alligator surface" appearance which could develop into a condition that will allow leakage of gasoline and fuel vapor, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Echo has received three reports of fuel leakage with no reported injuries or property damage.

Description: The specific gas-powered tools involved are identified by the model and serial numbers on the following chart. The model number and serial number is written on the name plate on each product.



Sold at: Home Depot, home centers, hardware stores, and power equipment dealers nationwide from February 2003 to May 2004 for between $149 and $300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled tools immediately and contact an Echo dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should call Echo toll-free at (800) 673-1558 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit Echo's Web site at www.echo-usa.com