Toro Power Clear Snowblower and the Toro 20" Recycler Mower

CPSC Recall #11-207 — April 25, 2011

Recall Summary

Recall Number11-207
Recall DateApril 25, 2011
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedSnowblowers: About 18,000 in the U.S. and 5,000 in Canada Mowers: About 6,000 in the U.S. and 200 in Canada
ManufacturerThe Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn.
Manufactured InMower in Mexico; Snowblower in the United States

Where It Was Sold

Toro Dealers in the United States and Canada from September 2009-March 2011.

Product

Toro Power Clear Snowblower and the Toro 20" Recycler Mower

Description

Toro PC-421Q Snowblowers:   The model/serial numbers are found on a decal on the underside of the rear of the unit. Model and serial numbers are:     Model Number Serial Number     38588 310000001 to 310999999 and 311000001 to 311003576     38589 310000001 to 310999999 and 311000001 to 311999999     Toro 20" Recycler Mower:   The model and serial numbers are found on a decal on the left rear of the mower. Model 20323; Serial number 310000001 to 310999999.

Hazard

The carburetors on both products develop fuel leaks and can ignite when exposed to an ignition source, posing a fire or burn hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been about 500 reports of carburetor leaks. There were no reports of fire or injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the products and contact a Toro Service Dealer for a free repair.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.