Black & Decker Lawnmower Recall: 160K Cordless Mowers May Pose Hazard

About 160,000 Black & Decker and Craftsman cordless electric lawnmowers have been recalled because the blades can begin turning unexpectedly. 

The cordless lawnmower recall was announced on Wednesday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after Black & Decker received 34 reports of the lawnmowers continuing to run after the removal of the safety key, which the key is designed to prevent. In at least two cases, people suffered finger lacerations, one of which required stitches.

The recall affects about 160,000 Black & Decker and Craftsman brand cordless electric lawnmowers. The Black & Decker mowers have an orange or green deck with a black motor cover, and have a model number of either CMM1000 or CMM1000R. The Craftsman mowers are dark green with a black motor cover and have the model number 900.370520. All date codes and types are included in the recall.

The Black & Decker lawnmowers were sold at home centers, hardware and discount stores, and Black & Decker dealers nationwide from September 1995 through December 2006 for about $450. The Craftsman lawnmowers were sold through Sears and Orchard Supply Hardware stores nationwide from January 1998 through December 2000 for about $450 as well. All of the lawnmowers were manufactured by Black & Decker Inc., based in Towson, Maryland.

The CPSC recommends that consumers stop using the recalled lawnmowers immediately and contact Black & Decker for a free inspection and repair or credit towards a new lawnmower at www.blackanddecker.com.