Stihl Recalls BR 500 and BR 550 Backpack Blowers Due to Fan Wheel Breakage
Stihl is recalling approximately 6,230 BR 500 and BR 550 backpack blowers because the fan wheel could break, causing plastic pieces to fly out and pose a risk of injury.
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 where the fan wheel could break and cause injury, but the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.
Plain-English summary
Stihl Inc. is recalling approximately 6,230 BR 500 and BR 550 backpack blowers. The recall was initiated because the fan wheel on these units could break, resulting in pieces of plastic flying out of the blower housing. This defect poses a risk of injury to the user or a bystander.
Stihl has received five reports of the fan wheel breaking, but no injuries have been reported. The affected blowers were sold at authorized Stihl dealers nationwide from January 2005 through May 2005 for about $450. The serial numbers for the recalled units range from 264264925 through 264740832, located on top of the engine's cylinder on the fin.
Consumers should stop using these blowers immediately and return them to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free repair. For more information, consumers can contact Stihl at (800) 610-6677 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.stihlusa.com.
The recalled product
- Product
- BR 500 and BR 550 Backpack Blowers
- Manufacturer
- Stihl Inc. of Virginia Beach, Va.
- Category
- Consumer Product — Power Tools
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 6,230
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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