Generac Portable Generator Recall Issued Following Reports of Amputated Fingers

Hundreds of thousands of Generac portable generators are being recalled following reports of problems where consumers lost fingers when trying to move them using the handle.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the Generac portable generators recall on July 29, after reports of amputations that occurred when the machine’s unlocked handle guard crushed the fingers of users trying to move the device. There have been at least eight reports of injuries, with seven resulting in finger amputations and one resulting in a finger being crushed.

The portable generators are gasoline-powered engines that are used for electricity. The machines have two-wheels and a grip handlebar, which is a U-shaped two-grip, flip-up pin-lock handle to help move the generator. According to reports, the portable handguard can pinch, crush, or even amputate fingers if they get caught in between the guard and the metal rod while moving it.

The recall includes Generac’s 6500 watt and 8000 watt portable generators, unit types XT8000E, XT8000EFI, GP6500, GP6500, GP8000E, HomeLink 6500E, DR’s models PRO 6500M, and PRO 6500E. The recall impacts 32 models in total.

Around 321,160 units, and an additional 4575 in Canada, are affected by the recall.

The generators were sold at major hardware stores nationwide and online such as Ace Hardware, Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, City Electric Supply, Costco, Do it Best, Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe’s Stores, Napa Auto Parts, Northern Tool & Equipment, Orgill, Power Equipment Direct, Ravitsky Bros., True Value, and W.W. Grainger. The generators were sold from June 2013 to June 2021 for around $790 to $1480 depending on the model.

Generac generators are manufactured in the U.S. and China, and distributed by Generac Power Systems.

The CPSC recommends consumers stop using the generators unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle guard in place so nothing can get caught in between and crushed. Users should lock the handle in place each time they move the generator until they contact Generac for a free repair kit.

Consumers with generators affected by the recall can reach out to Generac for their free repair kit and for any questions or concerns. Consumers should contact Generac at 844-242-3493 or at their online recall site http://www.generac.com/handleguard for more information.