Precor Low Impact Stair Climber, models 718E and 714

CPSC Recall #89-091 - September 25, 1989

Recall Summary

Recall Number89-091
Recall DateSeptember 25, 1989
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedApproximately 40,000
ManufacturerPrecor, Inc., of Bothell, Washington

Product

Precor Low Impact Stair Climber, models 718E and 714

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff is issuing a warning about an exercise device known as the Low Impact Climber manufactured by Precor, Inc., of Bothell, Washington because of a possible amputation hazard to children's fingers. As estimated 40,000 climbers were sold between November, 1987 and May, 1989 by sporting goods, physical fitness specialty stores and mail order companies nationwide. Precor model numbers 718E and 714 are involved. These low impact climbers are largely black and white in color. The model number is printed in red on the center-supporting shaft. They are mechanical devices intended to simulate stair climbing exercises and improve leg strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. The approximate retail price for model 714 is $399.00 and, for model 718E, $459.00. The climbers use digital readouts to apprise the user of his speed, elapsed time and total steps. CPSC said the red pulley cord and black roller in the center section of the device creates a pinch point and has no finger guard. Precor and CPSC are aware of three incidents of finger amputation or laceration when a child placed a finger between the pulley and the roller during use. CPSC urges all owners of this simulated stair climbing device to contact Precor immediately and obtain a free finger guard repair kit. Consumers may contact their nearest Precor dealer or call toll-free 1-800-662-0606.   AMPUTATION RISK PROMPTS REPAIR OF PRECOR "STAIR CLIMBER" EXERCISE DEVICE

Hazard

CPSC said the red pulley cord and black roller in the center section of the device creates a pinch point and has no finger guard. Precor and CPSC are aware of three incidents of finger amputation or laceration when a child placed a finger between the pulley and the roller during use.

Incidents & Injuries

Precor and CPSC are aware of three incidents of finger amputation or laceration when a child placed a finger between the pulley and the roller during use.

Remedy Instructions

CPSC urges all owners of this simulated stair climbing device to contact Precor immediately and obtain a free finger guard repair kit. Consumers may contact their nearest Precor dealer or call toll-free 1-800-662-0606.

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.