The Recall Desk
Our severity:CriticalCPSC·97098·Announced 1997-04-08

Husqvarna Recalls 277,000 Chain Saws Due to Melted Hand Guard Risk

Husqvarna is recalling 277,000 chain saws because heat from the muffler can melt the front hand guard if the exhaust deflector is not attached properly, posing a risk of injury.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that Husqvarna received one report of a death in Canada, which triggers the Critical severity classification per the rubric criteria for known fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. is recalling approximately 277,000 chain saws in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall involves specific models where heat from the saw's muffler can melt the front hand guard if the removable exhaust deflector is not attached properly. The hand guard is designed to prevent contact with the chain and can manually activate the chain brake during a kickback; a damaged hand guard exposes consumers to a risk of injury from the chain.

The recalled products include Husqvarna models 42, 51, 55, 242, and 254 with serial numbers beginning with 531 and below, as well as models 61 and 257 with serial numbers beginning with 324 and below. These chain saws are orange with the Husqvarna name printed on both sides of the motor. The hand guard is made of black, gray, or orange plastic. Authorized Husqvarna dealers nationwide sold these saws from 1990 through 1995 for approximately $400 to $600.

Husqvarna has received one report of a death in Canada and one report of a serious hand injury after the base of the saw's hand guard melted. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected chain saws and return them to the nearest authorized Husqvarna dealer for a free replacement muffler with a welded deflector. Husqvarna will also replace any hand guards that show signs of heat damage. For additional information, consumers can call Husqvarna at (800) 438-7297.

The recalled product

Product
Husqvarna chain saws
Manufacturer
Husqvarna
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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