CPSC, MTD Southwest Inc. Recalls Troy-Built, Craftsman Chain Saws, Breaking Handles Pose Laceration Hazard
Summary Statement
The chain saw’s plastic front handle can break during operation. If this occurs, the saw would be difficult to control and poses a risk for lacerations.
November 28, 2006
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2006 Release #07-040 |
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 848-6038 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Troy-Bilt and Craftsman Brand Gasoline Chain Saws
Units: About 76,000
Manufacturer: MTD Southwest Inc., of Tempe, Ariz.
Hazard: The chain saw’s plastic front handle can break during operation. If this occurs, the saw would be difficult to control and poses a risk for lacerations.
Incidents/Injuries: MTD has received two reports of consumers losing control of the saw when the handles broke during use. One consumer reported bruising to his elbow and the other received burns to his fingers after contacting the muffler when the chain saw he was using broke and he lost control of the saw.
Description: These Troy-Bilt and Craftsman brand chain saws are powered by a two-cycle gasoline engine ranging in size from 46cc to 55cc. They are equipped with either an 18-inch or 20-inch bar. There are four Troy- Bilt models affected: 41AY00AR966, 41AY60AR766, 41AY90AR766 and 41AY08AR966. There is one Craftsman “Incredi-Pull” model affected: a 55cc two-cycle gasoline engine with an 18-inch bar and model number 316.350840. The model number of the chain saw is located on the engine casing.
Sold at: The Troy-Bilt brand chain saws were sold at independent retailers, home improvement and hardware stores nationwide from January 2004 through June 2006 for between $200 and $250. The Craftsman brand chain saws were sold at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide from January 2004 through June 2006 for between $190 and $230.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately, and contact MTD to receive a free service kit with a replacement handle and installation instructions. Sears customers will be mailed a free service kit with a replacement handle and installation instructions.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact MTD toll-free at (888) 848-6038 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or log onto the company’s Web site at www.troybilt.com - Sears customers should call Sears at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday.
Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638- 8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
