Walmart and Home Depot Electric Blower Vacuum Recall Issued

About 385,000 electric blower vacuums sold at Walmart and Home Depot have been recalled because objects sucked into their vacuum may shoot through the collection bag and potentially injure the user or a bystanders. 

On February 21, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a Home Depot Homelite Electric Blower Vacuum recall and a Walmart Expert Gardener Electric Blower Vacuum recall, after a report was received where an object punctured the vacuum bag.

Although no injuries have been reported to date, the CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the vacuum blowers due to the potential risk they may pose.

The recall consists of 241,000 Homelite Electric Blowers sold exclusively at Home Depot in the United States and 13,600 in Canada, as well as 131,500 Expert Gardener Electric Blower Vacuums sold exclusively at Wal-Mart, both for the same hazards.

The recalled Homelite Electric Blower Vacuums were sold in the colors red and black and have a model number of UT42120 with serial numbers ranging between BMP3540001 through BMR2103100, and a model number of UT42120 with serial numbers ranging between BMR2120001 and BMR3421250. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label located on the left side of the motor cover with “Homelite BlowerVac 2 Speed Powerful 220 MPH” printed on the motor housing and the plastic blower tube.

The recalled Expert Gardener Electric Blower Vacuums were sold in colors green and black with a model number of 20254EG and serial numbers between BMP3010001 and BMR3311972, and a model number of 20254EGC with serial numbers between EUP3120001 and EUP 3630730. The model and serial numbers are located on the motor cover with :Expert Gardener” and “BlowerVac 2 Speed Quiet 150MPH Powerful 220 MPH” printed on the side of the green motor cover and black blower tube.

Both recalled Homelite and Expert Gardener models were manufactured in China by Changzhou Globe Tools Co. Ltd and Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. The Homelite models were imported by Homelite Consumers Products Inc., of Anderson, South Carolina, and sold exclusively at Home Depot stores nationwide and online at www.homedepot.com from February 2012 through December 2012 for about $40. The Expert Gardener models were imported by OWT Industries Inc., of Pickens, South Carolina were they were sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online at www.walmart.com from January 2012 through December 2012 for about $40.

The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using both recalled models of vacuum blowers and contact OWT Industries at (800) 597-9624 or online at www.expertgardenertools.com to receive a free replacement blower vacuum for the Expert Gardener models. Consumers with recalled Homelite models are advised to contact Homelite at (800) 597-9624 or visit them online at www.homelite.com for a free replacement blower.