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Tanaka and Ariens leaf blowers

CPSC Recall #96-050 - December 19, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-050
Recall DateDecember 19, 1995
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately 11,000
ManufacturerTanaka America of Kent, Wash.

Product

Tanaka and Ariens leaf blowers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Tanaka America of Kent, Wash., is announcing the recall of approximately 11,000 Tanaka and Ariens leaf blowers. The blower's fuel tank could leak, presenting a possible fire hazard. The blowers are mounted on a black metal backpack frame with padded shoulder straps, an orange fuel tank, and black blower tubes. The names and model numbers of the manufacturer are printed in the center of the blower's fuel tank or on the recoil starter. Tanaka models TBL-455 and TBL-500 and the Ariens model BB-430 blowers are involved in this recall. The leaf blowers were sold nationwide from January 1986 to December 1992 for between $400 and $460 each. Consumers who own Tanaka and Ariens blowers with these model numbers should stop using them immediately and return them to any Authorized Tanaka Servicing dealer. The backpack blowers will be fitted with a redesigned fuel tank at no charge. For more information, consumers should call Tanaka at 253-333-1200, ext 217. Tanaka has not received any reports of consumers who were injured in incidents involving the fuel leaks. Tanaka is conducting this recall to prevent the possibility of injury.

Hazard

The blower's fuel tank could leak, presenting a possible fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Tanaka has not received any reports of consumers who were injured in incidents involving the fuel leaks.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who own Tanaka and Ariens blowers with these model numbers should stop using them immediately and return them to any Authorized Tanaka Servicing dealer. The backpack blowers will be fitted with a redesigned fuel tank at no charge.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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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