The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·04169·Announced 2004-06-23

Ames True Temper Recalls Wheelbarrows with Plastic Wheel Assemblies

Ames True Temper is recalling approximately 647,000 wheelbarrows because plastic wheel assemblies can break during tire 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 fractures and permanent injuries, which meets the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Ames True Temper is recalling approximately 647,000 wheelbarrows sold under the brand names "Easy Roller," "Homeowner," "Mustang," or "Thoroughbred." 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 sold under the "True Temper" or "Jackson" brands are not part of this recall.

The plastic wheel assemblies on these wheelbarrows can break when the tires are being inflated. This failure can result in plastic pieces exploding from the rims, potentially hitting nearby consumers and causing lacerations and other injuries. Ames True Temper has reported 21 incidents from 1996 to the present, including hand, arm, and facial fractures and cuts, with some cases involving more serious and permanent injuries.

The recalled 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. Ames True Temper is offering a free replacement steel wheel assembly for each wheelbarrow and a free gardening tool gift as an incentive for the repair. For more information, consumers can call Ames True Temper toll-free at (866) 239-2281 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website at www.amestruetemper.com.

The recalled product

Product
Wheelbarrows sold under the brand names "Easy Roller," "Homeowner," "Mustang," or "Thoroughbred"
Manufacturer
O. Ames, a predecessor company of Ames True Temper Inc., of Camp Hill, Pa.
Category
Consumer Product — Garden Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
647,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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