The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·83050·Announced 1983-09-30

Echo Recalls Elastic Harnesses for Weed and Grass Trimmers

Echo is recalling elastic harnesses for specific weed and grass trimmers because the snap hooks can fly back and cause facial injuries.

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 (severe eye injury and dental damage), but no fatalities or hospitalizations are explicitly stated, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for reported injuries without critical outcomes.

Plain-English summary

Echo Incorporated is voluntarily recalling approximately 62,292 elastic harnesses with spring-loaded snap hooks used on Echo gas-powered Weed and Grass Trimmers, Models No. SRM-200 DA and SRM-200 D. The recall is due to a hazard where the metal hook may snap back and cause eye or other facial injuries.

The trimmers were distributed through Echo distributors from November 1977 to December 1979. The elastic harness, worn by the operator, consists of an elastic cord attached to the trimmer shaft by a snap hook. Under certain conditions when the cord is under tension, the snap hook can be released and fly back into the face of the operator. Echo has received two reports of severe eye injury and one report of dental damage due to this unexpected snap-back.

Consumers should immediately discontinue use of the elastic harness and return it to an Echo dealer for a free replacement harness. Echo dealers are listed in the Yellow Pages under Lawn and Garden Equipment. For additional information, consumers can contact Echo at 312-291-2800 or call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC.

The recalled product

Product
Echo elastic harnesses with spring loaded snap hooks
Manufacturer
Echo
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn and Garden Equipment
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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