Backpack Blowers Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2001
Release # 01-128

Company Phone Number: (800) 433-5640
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson or Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052 or 1189

Backpack Blowers Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA

PRODUCT: Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif., in cooperation with Star Garden Supply Inc., of Pico Rivera, Calif., and TMC Power Equipment Inc., of Monterey Park, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers. ASTRON and TMC dealers nationwide sold the backpack blowers to lawn and garden companies from October 2000 through February 2001 for about $500. The recalled backpack blowers were manufactured under two different model names; though, each uses a TEX54D Kawasaki engine:

The ASTRON KB-541, which was distributed by Star Garden Supply, model has a red fan case, with a white fuel tank and black frame. The words, "Astron Backpack Blower" and the model number are on a label on the gas tank and on a cap right above the tank.
The TMC KTBL-5600XA, which was distributed by TMC Power Equipment, has a white fan case and fuel tank, with a black frame. The model name, "TMC," and the model number are on a label on the fuel tank, and the name "Kawasaki" is on a cap right above the tank.

The blower serial numbers can be found on the blower base of the ASTRON products, and on the fan case of TMC products. The engine serial numbers can be found at the bottom of the recoil starter:

Product Model	Blower Serial No. Ranges	Engine Serial No. Ranges
ASTRON KB-541	0950001 through 0950700 0X50001 through 0X50700 0Y50001 through 0Y50700	TEX54D-AE80 159675 through 160384 TEX54D-AE80 160901 through 161600 TEX54D-AE80 162056 through 162755
TMC KTBL-5600XA	56010001 through 56011050	TEX54D-AF70 161701 through 162050 TEX54D-BF70 172943 through 173642

PROBLEM: The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Kawasaki has received two reports of flames coming out of the engine exhaust. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair. For more information, call Kawasaki toll-free at (800) 433-5640 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

ASTRON

TMC