Log Splitters

CPSC Recall #10-062 - December 9, 2009

Recall Summary

Recall Number10-062
Recall DateDecember 9, 2009
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 26,000 in the United States and 2,100 in Canada
ManufacturerMTD Products Inc, of Cleveland, Ohio
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Home Depot
Lowe's
Menards
Sears
Walmart
hardware stores and by independent dealers from November 2008 through October 2009 for between $1
000 and $2
300.

Product

Log Splitters

Description

The following log splitter brand names and model numbers are included in this recall. They were sold in red, black and yellow in 21, 25, 27 and 33 ton models. The model number is located on the frame near the engine. Log splitters manufactured from November 2008 through October 2009 are included in this recall. Only models with certain serial numbers are included in this recall.Brand NameModel NumberSold In:MTD Gold24BF510B004Hardware StoresMTD Gold24BF510E204Hardware StoresMTD Gold24BF570L004Hardware StoresMTD Gold24BF570F204Hardware StoresTroy-Bilt24BF572B766Hardware StoresTroy-Bilt24AD597D766Hardware StoresTroy-Bilt24BF572B711Lowe'sTroy-Bilt24AD597D711Lowe'sYard Machines24BF552B729Home DepotYard Machines24BF550B029Home Depot & WalmartCub Cadet24BF572B756Home DepotCub Cadet24BF572B710Independent DealersCub Cadet24AD598A010Independent DealersTroy-Bilt24BF572B766Independent DealersTroy-Bilt24AD597D766Independent DealersMTD24BF550M006Walmart & MenardsCraftsman247.77640SearsCraftsman247.77641Sears

Hazard

The control handle of the log splitter could fail to automatically return to the neutral position as it should and could fail to stop the splitting wedge from moving forward, posing a risk of amputation to consumers' hands and fingers.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled log splitters and contact MTD Products Inc. to determine if their log splitter is included in the recall, to receive inspection instructions and to receive a free repair if needed.

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.