The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·20192·Announced 2020-09-23

Kobalt Cordless Electric Pole Saws Recalled for Laceration Hazard

Kobalt 40-volt cordless electric pole saws are being recalled because the switch can fail, causing the saw to continue running and 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 (laceration) where the switch can fail, but the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recalling approximately 106,400 Kobalt brand 40-volt Lithium Ion 8-inch Cordless Electric Pole Saws. These units were manufactured by Changzhou Globe Co. Ltd. of China and distributed by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading Ltd. of China. The recall includes date codes from 01/01/17 to 02/28/19, which are printed on the side of the guide bar near the oil cap. Specific item numbers included in the recall are 796791, 1083769, 970801, 812419, and 812424.

The recall is due to a laceration hazard. The switch on the recalled pole saws can fail while under a heavy load, causing the unit to continue running after the user releases the trigger. Hongkong Sun Rise Trading has received 65 reports of the saws continuing to run, but no injuries have been reported.

The recalled pole saws were sold exclusively at Lowe's Stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com from March 2017 through October 2019 for about $180. An additional 120 units were sold in Canada. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pole saws and contact Hongkong Sun Rise Trading for a free repair. Contact information is available toll-free at 855-378-8826 or online at www.greenworkstools.com under “Important Safety Notice.”

The recalled product

Product
Kobalt brand 40-volt Lithium Ion 8-inch Cordless Electric Pole Saws
Affected units
106,400

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.