Ariens and Lesco model snowblowers

CPSC Recall #00-059 — January 26, 2000

Recall Summary

Recall Number00-059
Recall DateJanuary 26, 2000
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 27,000

Where It Was Sold

Ariens and Lesco retail outlets
hardware stores and home centers
including Home Depot
sold these snowblowers nationwide from July 1997 through January 2000 for $450 to $560.

Product

Ariens and Lesco model snowblowers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ariens Co., of Brillion, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 Ariens and Lesco model snowblowers. Fuel can leak from the fuel-line connection, posing a fire hazard.Ariens Co. has received 30 reports of fuel leaking from these snowblowers. No injuries have been reported.The recall includes SS322 and SS522 Ariens snowblowers manufactured in 1997 and 1999 with the following model and serial numbers located on the lower handlebar of the unit.Model NumberSerial Number938010000101-002251938011000101-002295938012000101-002096938015000101-001567938016000101-018587 These Ariens snowblowers are orange and have "ARIENS" and "SS322" or "SS522" written on top of the engine cover.The recall also includes Lesco model LSS522 snowblowers with serial numbers 063699000001 through 063699000402. The Lesco snowblowers are green with a "Commercialpulse" label on the engine cover. The model number and serial numbers are on the lower handlebar of the unit.Ariens and Lesco retail outlets, hardware stores and home centers, including Home Depot, sold these snowblowers nationwide from July 1997 through January 2000 for $450 to $560.Consumers should stop using these snowblowers immediately, and return the unit to a local dealer for a free repair. For more information, call Ariens toll-free at (888) 927-4367 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

Fuel can leak from the fuel-line connection, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Ariens Co. has received 30 reports of fuel leaking from these snowblowers. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these snowblowers immediately, and return the unit to a local 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.