John Deere Kids Toolboxes
CPSC Recall #01-228 — September 5, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-228 |
| Recall Date | September 5, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 11,600 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| John Deere dealers and other farm supply retail stores nationwide sold the toys from June 2001 through September 2001 for about $13. |
Product
John Deere Kids Toolboxes
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Racing Champions Ertl Inc. (RCE), of Dyersville, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling about 11,600 John Deere Kids Toolboxes. The toy's carrying handle can break, creating small parts and a sharp plastic edge that pose a choking and laceration hazard to young children.CPSC and RCE have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.The children's toolbox is a soft-shelled, plastic, green box with a yellow handle and yellow raised letters that read "John Deere." A John Deere Kids logo with a fawn inside a red oval is imprinted on the front of the toolbox. The toolbox is sold with a green and yellow plastic ratchet wrench and pliers inside. Stamped on the bottom of the product is "JOHN DEERE LICENSED PRODUCT" and "MADE IN CHINA." All yellow-handled toolboxes are included in this recall.John Deere dealers and other farm supply retail stores nationwide sold the toys from June 2001 through September 2001 for about $13.Parents and caregivers should take the toy away from young children immediately and contact RCE at (866) 898-4999 anytime for instructions on returning these toys and receiving a free replacement toolbox.John Deere Toolboxes with green handles are not included in this recall.
Hazard
The toy's carrying handle can break, creating small parts and a sharp plastic edge that pose a choking and laceration hazard to young children.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and RCE have not received any reports of injuries.
Remedy Instructions
Parents and caregivers should take the toy away from young children immediately and contact RCE at (866) 898-4999 anytime for instructions on returning these toys and receiving a free replacement toolbox.
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.
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.
Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside — if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.
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.