April 4, 2006
Release #06-130
Firm’s Hotline: (888) 271-4048
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturers of the brands named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Tecumseh Engines used in various Two-Stage Snow
Throwers, Ice Augers, Generators, Lawn Mowers, Weed Trimmers, Log Splitters and Fun-Karts.
Units: About 170,000 engines used on various products
Manufacturer: Tecumseh Power Co., Grafton, Wis.
Hazard: The fuel line on these engines can become loose or disconnected, resulting in a fuel leak. This can pose a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Tecumseh has received 235 reports of disconnected fuel lines, including two reports of a fire. There have been no reports of injury. The firm has received 39 reports of minor damage, totaling about $44,000.
Description: The recall includes power equipment with Tecumseh engines listed below. The engine model number and date of manufacture (DOM) information is located on a label on the side of the housing. The recalled engines have a date of manufacture code (DOM) that starts with 05241 to 05286. The label on the engine reads, “Tecumseh Power Company,” and in addition to the Model and DOM information, lists the Spec number needed for identification.
Power Equipment Brand Names
Two-Stage Snow Throwers Ariens, Craftsman, Cub Cadet,
Huskee, Husqvarna, MTD
Gold Series,
Murray, Toro, Poulan
Pro,Troy-Bilt,
White Outdoor, Yard
Machines, Yard Man
Log Splitters Yard Machines
Ice Augers and Post Hole Diggers Jiffy, Eskimo, Earthquake,
Hoffco, MEPCO
Fun-Karts Carter Brothers, Ken Bar
Generators Coleman Powermate,
NorthStar
Lawn Vac/Chipper Agri-Fab, Craftsman
Lawn Mower Toro
String Trimmers Ariens
Sold at: Home and hardware stores and equipment dealers nationwide from
September 2005 through January 2006 for between $200 and $2000.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using their equipment until they receive a free inspection and possible repair if necessary. Note: Never store engine with fuel in tank in a building with potential sources of ignition such as hot water or space heaters, clothes dryer, electric motors, etc.
Consumer Contact: For more information, call Tecumseh toll-free at (888)
271-4048 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit
Tecumseh’s Web site at www.tecumsehpower.com Consumers should have their engine model, Spec number, and DOM information available.
To view this recall online, please visit our website at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06130.html
Stay Safe!