The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·01128a·Announced 2001-04-24

Kawasaki Recalls ASTRON and TMC Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard

Kawasaki Motors is recalling about 3,000 ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers because engine exhaust flames pose fire and burn risks. No injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire and burn hazard) where no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. is recalling approximately 3,000 ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers. The recall involves the ASTRON KB-541 and TMC KTBL-5600XA models, both of which use a TEX54D Kawasaki engine. These products were sold to lawn and garden companies nationwide from October 2000 through February 2001 for about $500.

The recall is due to a defect where the engine exhaust can emit flames, creating fire and burn hazards for consumers. Kawasaki has received two reports of flames coming out of the engine exhaust, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately. To obtain a free repair, consumers should call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer or contact Kawasaki toll-free at (800) 433-5640 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers
Manufacturer
Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
3,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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