CPSC, Shindaiwa Inc. Announce Recall of Hedge Trimmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Gasoline-Powered Professional Hedge Trimmers

Units: 15,000

Manufacturer/Importer: Shindaiwa Inc., of Tualatin, Ore.

Hazard: The muffler's retaining bolts can allow the muffler to come loose from the engine while the hedge trimmer is in operation. A loose muffler can contact and damage the fuel tank creating a fire hazard. More than 59,000 Shindaiwa hedge trimmers were recalled in October 2003 because of a leaking fuel cap.

Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa has received 26 reports of mufflers coming loose and damaging the fuel tank, and one report of a fire that resulted in the operator suffering minor burns.

Description: The 30-inch and 40-inch hedge trimmers have red engine covers, a red fuel cap and a label on the recoil starter that reads "Professional Shindaiwa." The recall includes all double-sided professional hedge trimmer models DH 231 and HT 231 with serial numbers up to 110000. The serial numbers are printed on a nameplate on the engine cover.

Sold at: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from January 2001 through November 2003 for between $369 and $450.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Stop using these hedge trimmers and return them to an authorized Shindaiwa dealer to have the muffler bolts replaced free of charge.

Consumer Contact: Shindaiwa toll-free at (800) 521-7733 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.