Two major power equipment manufacturers, RedMax and Shindaiwa, have announced recalls of their backpack blowers due to fire hazards. The backpack blower's muffler bracket is prone to breaking which can expose the muffler. There have been reports of this defect causing hot exhaust gases to escape and melt the fuel tank or catch on fire. This defect is a fire hazard with potential for personal injury or property damage.
RedMax or Komatsu has recalled 170,000 blowers with model numbers EB6200, EB7000, EB7001, and EB7001RH. Product names include "RedMax," "Zenoah," and "Komatsu."
Shindaiwa Inc. has also announced a major recall of 87,000 blowers worldwide with model numbers EB630 or EB630RT.
These blowers were used for household leaf and snow removal or for construction site clean-up. These products were available for sale or rent at home hardware stores, building supply stores, power equipment retailers, and equipment rental providers from 1996 to 2006.
Consumers with these defective products should discontinue use and contact the retailer for a free inspection and/or repair.
Backpack Leaf Blower Recall in the News
MAY-15-08: Previously recalled due to fire hazard, the backpack blower has now been recalled due to risk of laceration and impact hazards. [CPSC: BACKPACK RECALLAPR-25-06: Consumer Product Safety Commission announces recall of RedMax leaf blowers. [CPSC]
APR-25-06: Shindaiwa Inc. announces a recall of their backpack blowers due to potential fire hazards. [CPSC]
