Recall: MTD Recalls Log Splitters Due to Amputation Hazard

MTD Recalls Log Splitters Due to Amputation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Log Splitters

Units: About 26,000 in the United States and 2,100 in Canada

Manufacturer: MTD Products Inc, of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: The control handle of the log splitter could fail to automatically return to the neutral position as it should and could fail to stop the splitting wedge from moving forward, posing a risk of amputation to consumers’ hands and fingers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The following log splitter brand names and model numbers are included in this recall. They were sold in red, black and yellow in 21, 25, 27 and 33 ton models. The model number is located on the frame near the engine. Log splitters manufactured from November 2008 through October 2009 are included in this recall. Only models with certain serial numbers are included in this recall.

Additional recalled log splitter models were sold in Canada. See the Canadian press release with Canadian model information.

Sold at: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Sears, Walmart, hardware stores and by independent dealers from November 2008 through October 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled log splitters and contact MTD Products Inc. to determine if their log splitter is included in the recall, to receive inspection instructions and to receive a free repair if needed.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact MTD toll free at (888) 848-6038 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.mtdproducts.com