Lowe’s Electric Log Splitter Recall: Fingertip Lacerations Reported

About 20,000 electric log splitters sold exclusively at Lowe’s Stores have been recalled in order to upgrade safety warnings about the risk of lacerations or amputation of fingers and hands that may be caused by the design of the machine. 

The Lowe’s Task Force electric log splitter recall was announced on July 7 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), after at least two reports of injuries involving the machine. In one case an 18-year-old lost a fingertip while using the log splitter. The other injury was attributed to a 60-year-old man who suffered a finger laceration.

The CPSC warns that the electric log splitters have a hydraulic arm that slips under the handle used to move the machine during use. If operators place their hands on the handles while the machine is in operation they face a risk of laceration or amputation.

The recall affects about 20,000 Task Force 5-ton electric log splitters, manufactured by Changzhou Globe Tool Group Co. Ltd. The recalled log splitters are silver and black and have a model number of 26083 and an item number of 241483. The item and model numbers are located on the power switch label at the rear of the machine. It also has “Task Force” printed on the side rail of the log splitters.

The electric log splitters were sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores for about $300 from January 2008 through March 2011.

The CPSC recommends that consumers immediately stop using the recalled log splitters and contact the manufacturer for a free set of warning labels and placement instructions. Consumers with questions can contact Changzhou Globe Tool Group, Ltd. at 866-456-8934 or send an e-mail to logsplitter@sunrisetools.ca.