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ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers

CPSC Recall #01-128a — April 23, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-128a
Recall DateApril 23, 2001
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 3,000

Where It Was Sold

ASTRON and TMC dealers nationwide sold the backpack blowers to lawn and garden companies from October 2000 through February 2001 for about $500.

Product

ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers

Description

PRODUCT: Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif., in cooperation with Star Garden Supply Inc., of Pico Rivera, Calif., and TMC Power Equipment Inc., of Monterey Park, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers. ASTRON and TMC dealers nationwide sold the backpack blowers to lawn and garden companies from October 2000 through February 2001 for about $500. The recalled backpack blowers were manufactured under two different model names; though, each uses a TEX54D Kawasaki engine: The ASTRON KB-541, which was distributed by Star Garden Supply, model has a red fan case, with a white fuel tank and black frame. The words, "Astron Backpack Blower" and the model number are on a label on the gas tank and on a cap right above the tank.The TMC KTBL-5600XA, which was distributed by TMC Power Equipment, has a white fan case and fuel tank, with a black frame. The model name, "TMC," and the model number are on a label on the fuel tank, and the name "Kawasaki" is on a cap right above the tank.The blower serial numbers can be found on the blower base of the ASTRON products, and on the fan case of TMC products. The engine serial numbers can be found at the bottom of the recoil starter: Product ModelBlower Serial No. RangesEngine Serial No. RangesASTRON KB-5410950001 through 09507000X50001 through 0X507000Y50001 through 0Y50700TEX54D-AE80 159675 through 160384TEX54D-AE80 160901 through 161600TEX54D-AE80 162056 through 162755TMC KTBL-5600XA56010001 through 56011050TEX54D-AF70 161701 through 162050TEX54D-BF70 172943 through 173642PROBLEM: The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Kawasaki has received two reports of flames coming out of the engine exhaust. No injuries have been reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair. For more information, call Kawasaki toll-free at (800) 433-5640 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. 

Hazard

The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Kawasaki has received two reports of flames coming out of the engine exhaust. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC 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.

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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.

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