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Gasoline Powered Chain Saw

CPSC Recall #86-053 - August 27, 1986

Recall Summary

Recall Number86-053
Recall DateAugust 27, 1986
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedSome 8,500

Product

Gasoline Powered Chain Saw

Description

Washington, DC -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Echo Incorporated of Lake Zurich, Illinois today announced the voluntary recall of all model 500VL gasoline powered chain saws manufactured from 1979 to 1980. Some 8,500 Echo model 500VL chain saws with flywheel problems are being recalled voluntarily by the company and replaced with a new solid- state magneto chain saw at no cost to the consumer. The firm said a special tool is required to remove the flywheel during routine chain saw maintenance, but some flywheels have been removed by consumers without aid of the tool. If the flywheel becomes distorted as a result of such removal, the flywheel may be subject to stress and vibration. Pieces of the flywheel may fly apart and strike the operator as was the case in the three accidents reported to Echo, which resulted in lacerations, fractures and amputation to the fingers of the operator's left hand. Consumers should discontinue using the Echo 500 VL chain saw immediately. Owners of Model 500VL chain saws with serial numbers inclusive to 0023000 should contact their Echo Dealer to arrange for replacement of the saw at no charge. The new Echo saw, model 510 EVL, comes equipped with a solid-state electronic magneto which is not removed during routine maintenance. Consumers desiring more information about the product recall should write to Echo, Incorporated, 400 Oakwood Road, Lake Qurich, Illinois 60047, or call Echo's Service Department at (847) 540-8400.

Hazard

If the flywheel becomes distorted as a result of such removal, the flywheel may be subject to stress and vibration. Pieces of the flywheel may fly apart and strike the operator.

Incidents & Injuries

Three accidents have been reported to Echo, which resulted in lacerations, fractures and amputation to the fingers of the operator's left hand. Pieces of the flywheel flew apart and struck the operators.

Remedy Instructions

Owners of Model 500VL chain saws with serial numbers inclusive to 0023000 should contact their Echo Dealer to arrange for replacement of the saw 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.

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.

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