Recall: Chain Saws Recalled by Husqvarna

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
April 8, 1997	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-098

CPSC and Husqvarna Announce Recall of Chain Saws

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. of Charlotte, N.C., is recalling about 277,000 chain saws. Heat from the saw's muffler can melt the saw's front hand guard if the removable exhaust deflector is not attached properly. The hand guard is designed to prevent contact with the chain and can manually activate the chain brake during a kickback. A damaged hand guard exposes consumers to a risk of injury from the chain.

Husqvarna has received one report of a death in Canada and one report of a serious hand injury after the base of the saw's hand guard melted.

The recalled chain saws include the Husqvarna models 42, 51, 55, 242, and 254 with serial numbers beginning with 531 and below. The recalled saws also include models 61 and 257 with serial numbers beginning with 324 and below. The chain saws are orange and have the Husqvarna name printed on both sides of the motor. The model number is printed on the left side of the motor and on the serial number plate on the left front of the motor. The hand guard is made of black, gray, or orange plastic.

Authorized Husqvarna dealers nationwide sold the chain saws from 1990 through 1995 for about $400 to $600.

Consumers should immediately stop using the chain saws and return them to the nearest authorized Husqvarna dealer for a free replacement muffler, which has a welded deflector. Husqvarna will also replace any hand guards that show signs of heat damage. For additional information, consumers should call Husqvarna at (800) 438-7297.