The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·16195·Announced 2016-06-14

STIHL Recalls Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers Due to Laceration Hazard

STIHL is recalling about 8,000 HSA 65 battery-powered hedge trimmers because they may operate unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard.

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 (laceration hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

STIHL Inc. is recalling about 8,000 STIHL model HSA 65 battery-powered hedge trimmers. The recall involves trimmers sold at authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from June 2010 through April 2016 for about $300. An additional 1,000 units were sold in Canada.

The recalled hedge trimmers can operate faster than expected, continue running after the trigger is released, or operate by depressing either the trigger or the front handle switch individually. These malfunctions pose a laceration hazard. STIHL has received seven reports of the trigger or front handle switch not operating properly, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled trimmer and return it to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free replacement battery-powered hedge trimmer. The recalled trimmers are gray and orange, with a loop handle, removable battery, and a 20-inch hedge trimming blade. "STIHL" and "HSA 65" are printed on the side of the battery compartment between the trigger and the loop handle.

The recalled product

Product
STIHL battery-powered hedge trimmers
Manufacturer
VIKING GmbH, of Austria
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
8,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · laceration

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