CPSC Recall in 2007: Shindaiwa Inc. Announces Recall of Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Shindaiwa Inc., Tualatin, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers. The muffler's outer shell can melt allowing exhaust gas to exit from the bottom or back side of the muffler. The exhaust gas may cause damage to the fuel tank creating a possible fire hazard for the user.Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack BlowersUnits: About 22,000Importer: Shindaiwa Inc., Tualatin, OregonHazard: The muffler's outer shell can melt allowing exhaust gas to exit from the bottom or back side of the muffler. The exhaust gas may cause damage to the fuel tank creating a possible fire hazard for the user.Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa is aware of one incident where a small muffler fire was involved with no property damage and no injuries.Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT. All models up to serial #7025018 are included. After serial number 7025018, the leaf blower has been upgraded with stainless steel muffler shells. The backpack blowers weight approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX) which are located on the side label. These machines are blue with a red label that reads, Shindaiwa.Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through May 2007 for about $600.Manufactured by: Shindaiwa Kogyo Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, JapanRemedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free muffler replacement. Consumers who have registered their equipment should have already received correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.Consumer Contact: For more information contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.shindaiwa.com.

The muffler's outer shell can melt allowing exhaust gas to exit from the bottom or back side of the muffler. The exhaust gas may cause damage to the fuel tank creating a possible fire hazard for the user.

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Shindaiwa is aware of one incident where a small muffler fire was involved with no property damage and no injuries.

Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through May 2007 for about $600.