A massive recall of about 2.3 million gas-powered STIHL trimmers, brushcutters, KombiMotors, hedge trimmers, edgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, and backpack blowers that utilize a toolless fuel cap has just been announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled yard power tools immediately. The defective yard […]
A massive <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/product_liability">recall of about 2.3 million gas-powered STIHL trimmers, brushcutters, KombiMotors, hedge trimmers, edgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, and backpack blowers that utilize a toolless fuel cap has just been announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled yard power tools immediately.
The defective yard power tools were manufactured in the United States by STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Virginia and sold at authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from July 2002 through May 2011 for between $190 and $650.
The level of ethanol and other fuel additives can distort the toolless fuel cap, allowing fuel to spill, posing a fire and burn hazard. To date, STIHL has received 81 reports of difficulty installing and/or removing the fuel caps and fuel spillage. No injuries have been reported. The following yard power tools and model and serial numbers are involved:
• Blower, Backpack: BR500/serial numbers up to 284053456, BR550/serial numbers up to 284053456, BR 600/serial numbers up to 284053456, BR 600 Magnum/serial numbers up to 284053456.
• Hedge Trimmer, extended reach: HL 90K/serial numbers up to 284101483, HL 100/serial numbers up to 284101483, HL 100 K/serial numbers up to 284101483.
• Pole Pruner: HT 56 C-E/serial numbers up to 284398635, HT 100/serial numbers up to 284097165, HT 101/serial numbers up to 284097165, HT 130/serial numbers up to 284097165, HT 131/serial numbers up 284097165.
• Edger: FC 56 C-E/serial numbers up to 284180999, FC 70 C-E/serial numbers up to 284180999, FC 90/serial numbers up to 284012099, FC 95/serial numbers up to 284012099, FC 100/serial numbers up to 284012099, FC 110/serial numbers up to 284012099.
• Trimmer/Brushcutter: FS 40 C-E/serial numbers up to 284180999, FS 56 C-E/serial numbers up to 284180999, FS 56 RC-E/serial numbers up to 284180999, FS 70 RC-E/serial numbers up to 284180999, FS 90/serial numbers up to 284012099, FS 90 R/serial numbers up to 284012099, FS 100 RX/serial numbers up to 284012099, FS 110/serial numbers up to 284012099, FS 110 R/serial numbers up to 284012099, FS 110 RX/serial numbers up to 284012099, FS 130/serial numbers up to 284012099, FS 130 R/serial numbers up to 284012099.
• Clearing Saw: FS 310/serial numbers up to 284012099.
• KombiEngine: KM 56 RC-E//serial numbers up to 284180999
Photographs of the power tools and the toolless fuel cap can be accessed at the STIHL website at www.stihlusa.com.
The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately stop using these products and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair. Consumers can contact STIHL for instructions on identifying these toolless fuel caps. STIHL can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.233.4729 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, at the firm’s website at www.stihlusa.com, or by email to stihlrecall@stihl.us.