The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·07040·Announced 2006-11-28

MTD Recalls Troy-Bilt and Craftsman Chain Saws Due to Handle Breakage

MTD Southwest Inc. is recalling Troy-Bilt and Craftsman gasoline chain saws because the plastic front handle can break, posing a laceration hazard.

What this means for you

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 injury has been reported (bruising and burns), but no fatalities or serious injuries requiring hospitalization are documented, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

MTD Southwest Inc. is recalling approximately 76,000 Troy-Bilt and Craftsman gasoline chain saws. The recall involves specific models equipped with two-cycle gasoline engines ranging from 46cc to 55cc and bars measuring either 18 or 20 inches. The affected Troy-Bilt models are 41AY00AR966, 41AY60AR766, 41AY90AR766, and 41AY08AR966. The affected Craftsman model is the "Incredi-Pull" 55cc engine with an 18-inch bar, model number 316.350840.

The recall is necessary because the chain saw's plastic front handle can break during operation. If the handle breaks, the saw becomes difficult to control, posing a risk of lacerations. MTD has received two reports of consumers losing control of the saw when the handles broke. One consumer reported bruising to the elbow, and another received burns to the fingers after contacting the muffler.

The Troy-Bilt chain saws were sold at independent retailers, home improvement, and hardware stores nationwide from January 2004 through June 2006 for between $200 and $250. The Craftsman chain saws were sold at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide during the same period for between $190 and $230. Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately and contact MTD to receive a free service kit with a replacement handle and installation instructions. Sears customers will be mailed a free service kit.

The recalled product

Product
Troy-Bilt and Craftsman Gasoline Chain Saws
Affected units
76

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.