The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·04121·Announced 2004-04-15

Shindaiwa Recalls Gasoline-Powered Professional Hedge Trimmers Due to Fire Hazard

Shindaiwa Inc. is recalling 15,000 professional hedge trimmers because loose mufflers can damage the fuel tank and cause fires.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with a reported injury (minor burns), which aligns with the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (significant injury reports or structural defects leading to harm).

Plain-English summary

Shindaiwa Inc. is recalling approximately 15,000 gasoline-powered professional hedge trimmers, including models DH 231 and HT 231 with serial numbers up to 110000. The affected units were sold nationwide through Shindaiwa dealers between January 2001 and November 2003 for prices ranging from $369 to $450. The trimmers feature red engine covers, a red fuel cap, and a label on the recoil starter reading "Professional Shindaiwa."

The recall is necessary because the muffler's retaining bolts can allow the muffler to come loose from the engine during operation. A loose muffler can contact and damage the fuel tank, creating a fire hazard. Shindaiwa has received 26 reports of mufflers coming loose and damaging the fuel tank, as well as one report of a fire that resulted in the operator suffering minor burns.

Consumers should stop using these hedge trimmers immediately and return them to an authorized Shindaiwa dealer to have the muffler bolts replaced free of charge. For assistance, consumers can contact Shindaiwa toll-free at (800) 521-7733 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Gasoline-Powered Professional Hedge Trimmers
Manufacturer
Shindaiwa Inc., of Tualatin, Ore.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
15,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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