Outdoor power equipment company Echo, Lake Zurich, Ill., is recalling 540,000 power tools because the fuel lines may develop an “alligator surface” appearance, which could develop into a condition that could allow the seepage of gasoline through the wall of the fuel line. The leaking gasoline and vapor could result in a fire and serious personal injury, the company’s Web site notes.
Echo has received three reports of fuel leakage but has not received any reports of injuries or property damage. The recalled products – including hedge clippers, power pruners and power edgers – were sold at Home Depot, hardware stores, home centers and power equipment dealers nationwide for $149-$300, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission said Tuesday.
The tools were made in the United States and were sold here from February 2003 to May 2004.
Consumers are urged to stop using the tools and contact an Echo dealer for a free repair. The full list of recalled products, noted by serial number, is available at the Echo Web site, as well as at the Consumer Product Safety Comission Web site by clicking here.
Inquiries may be addressed to Echo by calling 800/254-4808 weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.