The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·10356·Announced 2010-09-29

Black & Decker and Craftsman Cordless Lawnmowers Recalled for Laceration Hazard

Black & Decker is recalling about 160,000 cordless electric lawnmowers because the motor and blade can unexpectedly turn on after the safety key is removed, posing a laceration risk.

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 (two finger lacerations, one requiring stitches), but no deaths or serious injuries are reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. is recalling approximately 160,000 Black & Decker and Craftsman brand cordless electric lawnmowers. The recall involves Black & Decker models CMM1000 and CMM1000R, as well as Craftsman model 900.370520. These mowers were sold nationwide from September 1995 through December 2006 for about $450. The Black & Decker mowers feature an orange or green deck with a black motor cover, while the Craftsman mowers have a dark green deck with a black motor cover.

The hazard exists because the lawnmower's motor and blade can unexpectedly turn on after the safety key is removed. The safety key is designed to prevent the motor from operating when removed. Black & Decker has received 34 reports of the motor operating after the safety key was removed. These reports include two incidents that resulted in finger lacerations, with one injury requiring stitches.

Consumers should stop using the recalled lawnmowers immediately. They should contact Black & Decker or Sears for a free inspection and repair, or a credit towards a new cordless lawnmower. Consumers who had their mowers repaired during previous recalls in 2002 and 2006 should also have their mowers inspected and repaired as part of this recall. For more information, Black & Decker mower owners can call (866) 229-5570, and Craftsman mower owners can call (800) 659-7026.

The recalled product

Product
Black & Decker and Craftsman brand cordless electric lawnmowers
Manufacturer
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn Mowers
Hazard
Affected units
160,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · laceration

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