The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·02140·Announced 2002-04-16

Ames True Temper Recalls Wheelbarrows with Plastic Wheel Assemblies

Ames True Temper is recalling about 670,000 wheelbarrows because plastic wheel rims can shatter during inflation, causing injuries.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports, including severe lacerations requiring stitches and multiple bone fractures, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Ames True Temper Inc. is recalling approximately 670,000 wheelbarrows sold under the brand names "Mustang" or "Douglas." The recalled products feature black plastic wheel rims with approximately 14-inch diameter wheels and red, green, or orange tubs or trays made of steel or plastic. Wheelbarrows with metal wheel assemblies and those branded "True Temper" are not included in this recall.

The plastic wheel assemblies can break when inflated with high-pressure air hoses, causing plastic pieces to explode from the rims. This hazard has resulted in eight reports of plastic rims fracturing, including seven instances of lacerations to consumers' hands, face, chest, or arms. Some lacerations were severe and required numerous stitches, while other reports included nasal and facial bone fractures, finger or knuckle fractures, and torn wrist ligaments.

These wheelbarrows were sold at hardware stores and home centers nationwide from January 1993 through December 2000 for between $20 and $30. Consumers should not inflate the tires on these wheelbarrows and should contact Ames True Temper toll-free at (866) 239-2281 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, to receive a free replacement steel wheel assembly.

The recalled product

Product
Wheelbarrows
Manufacturer
Ames True Temper Inc., of Camp Hill, Pa.
Category
Consumer Product — Garden Tools
Hazard
Affected units
670,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

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