Exploding Tires Lead to Harper Hand Truck Recall

Nearly 300,000 hand trucks by Harper Trucks Inc. have been recalled after several people were injured by tires that explode when overinflated. 

The Harper hand truck recall was announced on October 27 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after the company received at least 19 reports of overinflated tires exploding resulting in 19 injuries. At least one person lost sight in one eye and there were also reports of broken bones, contusions and lacerations.

The CPSC found that not only do the tires explode when overinflated, but the resulting blast causes the wheel hub to break or separate, hurling out pieces that could pose an injury hazard to bystanders.

The hand truck recall affects the following Harper models:

• Model K52K16, with a P Handle and 1-piece, composite wheel
• Model JEDKT1935P, with a dual hand/platform truck (convertible) and a 3-piece, four bolt, metal/chrome plated wheel
• Model 51K19 with dual handles and a 3-piece, four bolt, metal/chrome plated wheel
• Model BKTAK19 with a P handle and a 3-piece, four bolt, metal/chrome plated wheel
• Model PGCSK19BLK with a dual hand handle and a 3-piece, four bolt, metal/chrome plated wheel

The affected trucks will have an adhesive sticker on the hand truck frame’s cross member that has the model number and “Harper Truck.” No hand trucks with two-piece, grey metal wheels are affected by this recall.

The hand trucks were sold at Home Depot from September 2008 through March 2009 and at Sam’s Club from January 1993 through January 2002 for between $28 and $42.

The CPSC recommends that any consumers using the affected hand trucks stop using them immediately and contact Harper Trucks for a free repair kit. The kit will include either lock washers for the 3-piece wheels or replacement tires for trucks with the 1-piece composite tires. Consumers with questions can call Harper Trucks at (800) 835-4099 or visit the company’s website at www.harpertrucks.com.