CPSC, Shindaiwa Announce Hedge Trimmer Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Shindaiwa, Tualatin, Ore., has announced a voluntary recall of about 25,000 gas-powered professional hedge trimmers.

According to the CPSC, the heat from the hedge trimmer’s muffler can damage the fuel tank, causing a fuel leak and creating a fire hazard.

Shindaiwa has received 10 reports of fuel tanks leaking. Two small fires were reported, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The affected products are Shindaiwa Gas-Powered Profesisonal Hedge Trimmers in 30- and 40-inch sizes. The products have red engine covers, a red fuel cap and a label on the recoil starter that reads “Professional Shindaiwa.” The recall includes all single- and double-sided gas-powered professional hedge trimmer models DH231 and HT231 with serial numbers 1010000 through 5050000. The serial number is printed on the engine cover.

These hedge trimmers were sold at Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from January 2001 through April 2005. Consumers should stop using these hedge trimmers immediately and contact an authorized Shindaiwa dealer to have a new fuel tank and heat shield assembly installed free of charge.

Call Shindaiwa at 800/521-7733 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, or visit www.shindaiwa.com.