Sno-Tek Snow Blowers
CPSC Recall #11-137 — February 16, 2011
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 11-137 |
| Recall Date | February 16, 2011 |
| Remedy Type | New Instructions, Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | About 1,500 in the U.S. and 300 in Canada |
| Manufacturer | Ariens, of Brillion, Wis. |
| Importer | Liquid Combustion Technology, LLC (LCT), of Travelers Rest, S.C. |
| Manufactured In | Snow blower in United States, engine in China |
Where It Was Sold
| Home Depot and Ariens authorized dealers nationwide and HD.com in Canada from August 2010 through September 2010 for between about $700 and $800. |
Product
Sno-Tek Snow Blowers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.Name of Product: Sno-Tek snow blowersUnits: About 1,500 in the U.S. and 300 in CanadaImporter: Liquid Combustion Technology, LLC (LCT), of Travelers Rest, S.C.Manufacturer: Ariens, of Brillion, Wis.Hazard: The snow blower's engine is missing a safety shield above the side mounted electric starter, posing a laceration hazard to consumer's fingers.Injuries/Incidents: None reported.Description: The recalled snow blowers have a LCT StormForce engine with "Sno-Tek" printed across a metal handlebar plate. Snow blowers with model numbers 920402 and 920403 and UPC codes 5105803094 and 5105803095 are included in this recall. Only snow blowers with engine model number PW1HK18650781DE-ABGOQUVE1M with serial numbers ranging from 1065H04008325A through 1065H04012104A are affected by this recall. The product model number and UPC codes are printed on a label attached to the outside of the gear box near the left wheel.Sold at: Home Depot and Ariens authorized dealers nationwide and HD.com in Canada from August 2010 through September 2010 for between about $700 and $800.Manufactured in: Snow blower in United States, engine in ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using these snow blowers and contact LCT for a free repair kit and installation instructions or return them to an authorized LCT service center location for a free repair. LCT's Service Network toll free number is (800) 558-5402.Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LCT at (800) 558-5402 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.LCTUSA.com.Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1275.
Hazard
The snow blower's engine is missing a safety shield above the side mounted electric starter, posing a laceration hazard to consumer's fingers.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these snow blowers and contact LCT for a free repair kit and installation instructions or return them to an authorized LCT service center location for a free repair. LCT's Service Network toll-free number is (800) 558-5402.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, Replace, 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 (New Instructions, Replace, Repair) at no cost to you.
No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
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.