FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2006
Release #06-147
Firm's Hotline: (866) 217-4152
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
RedMax Backpack Blowers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced
voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should
stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: RedMax Gas-Powered Backpack Blowers
Units: About 170,000
Importer: Komatsu Zenoah America, doing business as RedMax, of Norcross, Ga.
Hazard: The muffler support bracket can break, creating an opening in
the muffler body. Hot exhaust gases can then escape from the muffler and
could melt the fuel tank or ignite grease, oil or debris around the fuel
tank, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: RedMax has received five reports of units that have
caught fire when hot exhaust gases from damaged mufflers ignited grease,
oil or debris around the area of the fuel tank. No injuries have been
reported.
Description: The RedMax gasoline-powered backpack blowers are red and
black with a white fuel tank. Model numbers EB6200, EB7000, EB7001, and
EB7001RH can be found on the body of the blowers along with "RedMax,"
"Zenoah," and "Komatsu."
Sold by: RedMax dealers nationwide from December 1996 through December
2005 for about $530
Manufactured In: Japan and Georgia
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and
contact RedMax for a dealer location nearest to them to schedule a free
inspection and a free repair if necessary. Consumers who have registered
their equipment will receive direct notification about this recall from
RedMax.
Consumer Contact: For additional information consumers can contact
RedMax at (866) 217-4152, anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at
www.redmax.com