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Recalled ASTRON KB-541 backpack blower -
Recalled TMC KTBL-5600XA backpack blower
The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
About 3,000
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.
Recall Details
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.
Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair.
Kawasaki has received two reports of flames coming out of the engine exhaust. No injuries have been reported.
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
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