Snow Throwers Recalled by Ariens Company Due to Injury Hazard

CPSC Recall #11-714 — January 10, 2011

Recall Summary

Recall Number11-714
Recall DateJanuary 10, 2011
Remedy TypeRepair
Units Affected"About 1,040"
Manufacturer"Ariens Company, of Brillion, Wisc."
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

"Home Depot and local Ariens authorized dealerships from October 2009 to January 2010 for about $1
500."

Description

Users trying to clear the collector or discharge chute while the machine is operating could be at risk of a finger or hand injury hazard.

Hazard

Users trying to clear the collector or discharge chute while the machine is operating could be at risk of a finger or hand injury hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

No reports of injuries have been received.

Remedy Instructions

"Ariens Company has fixed about 600 of these units prior to their sale. To determine if your unit has been repaired contact Ariens. If your unit has not been repaired, Ariens will assist you in scheduling an appointment for a free repair with an Ariens authorized dealer in your area."

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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.