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Stihl Weed Trimmers, Brushcutters and Augers

CPSC Recall #00-007b - October 19, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number00-007b
Recall DateOctober 19, 1999
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 7,200 weed trimmers, 192 brushcutters and 344 augers

Where It Was Sold

Stihl dealers sold these trimmers
brushcutters and augers from November 1998 through September 1999 for between $400 and $700
depending on the model purchased.

Product

Stihl Weed Trimmers, Brushcutters and Augers

Description

PRODUCT: Weed Trimmers, Brushcutters and Augers - Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 7,200 weed trimmers, 192 brushcutters and 344 augers. The trimmers, sold with both loop- and bicycle-type handles, have model numbers FS 120 and FS 200. The brushcutters, with bicycle-type handles, have model number FS 350. The augers have model number BT 120C, and are used to drill holes in the ground. The model numbers are located on the top of the engines' shrouds. The serial number is stamped into the crank case base, and can be seen by turning the unit upside down and looking at the metal plate on the muffler side between the fuel tank and muffler shroud.The recalled Model FS 120 units have serial numbers from:241229059 through 241230468241853315 through 241854114241227959 through 241229058241851265 through 241853314The recalled Model FS 200 units have serial numbers from:241212359 through 241212808241854855 through 241855104241230469 through 241230868241854115 through 241854854The recalled Model FS 350 units have serial numbers from:141615623 through 141616122The recalled Model BT 120C units have serial numbers from:141585723 through 141585922141722570 through 141722819.The model number and the word "Stihl" is written on the products. Stihl dealers sold these trimmers, brushcutters and augers from November 1998 through September 1999 for between $400 and $700, depending on the model purchased.PROBLEM: Fuel could leak from an unsealed seam in the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Stihl is aware of one incident in Europe of a fuel leak from a trimmer. No injuries were reported.WHAT TO DO: Stop using these products immediately, and call Stihl to determine if your trimmer, brushcutter or auger is part of this recall. If so, consumers should return it to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free replacement fuel tank. For more information, call Stihl at (800) 467-8445 between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. ET Saturday and Sunday. Consumers also can get more information on Stihl's web site at www.stihlusa.com.

Hazard

Fuel could leak from an unsealed seam in the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Stihl is aware of one incident in Europe of a fuel leak from a trimmer. No injuries were reported.

Remedy Instructions

Stop using these products immediately, and call Stihl to determine if your trimmer, brushcutter or auger is part of this recall. If so, consumers should return it to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free replacement fuel tank.

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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