The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·89059·Announced 1989-05-22

Weed Eater Recalls Gasoline String Trimmers for Muffler Burn Risk

Weed Eater is offering free muffler guard kits for certain gasoline string trimmers sold as Weed Eater, Yard Pro, and Sears Craftsman to prevent burns.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source explicitly states that 35 consumers sustained burns, which constitutes significant injury reports, meeting the criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Weed Eater is voluntarily offering a free muffler guard kit to consumers who own certain gasoline-powered string trimmers. The offer covers trimmers sold under the brand names Weed Eater, Yard Pro, and Sears Craftsman. According to the company, approximately 35 consumers sustained burns when they inadvertently contacted the hot muffler of these devices.

More than 2 million string trimmers sold since 1982 are involved in this offer. The specific model numbers affected are listed on the side of the trimmer or on the decal describing how to start the trimmer. Affected models include specific Weed Eater, Yard Pro, and Sears Craftsman gas weedwacker, edger, cultivator, and brushwacker units.

Owners of the listed string trimmers should call Weed Eater toll-free at 1-800-446-1478 to receive the free muffler guard kit. Callers should have the specific model number of their trimmer available before calling. Consumers may also write to Weed Eater at P.O. Box 9329, Shreveport, LA 71139-9329.

The recalled product

Product
Sears Craftsman gasoline powered string trimmers
Manufacturer
Craftsman
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn and Garden Equipment
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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