Leaf Blower Recalls Issued Over Laceration, Injury Risk

Two different manufacturers are recalling a combined 158,000 electric leaf blowers, following at least 18 reports of the impellers breaking during use, including more than a dozen cases where users suffered lacerations, cuts, bruises and other injuries.  

A Remington electric leaf blower recall and Troy-Bilt electric leaf blower recall were announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 22, following reports that suggest the blower’s impeller may be prone to break during use.

Both of the recalled leaf blowers were manufactured by KingClean Electric Co. in China and imported by MTD Southwest Inc. of Tempe, Arizona.

Almost all of the incidents reported involved the Troy-Bilt leaf blowers, accounting for 17 of the reported issues and 12 injuries. Only one injury and incident was reported in connection with the Remington leaf blowers.

The recalls include about 24,000 Remington 7.5 amp electric leaf blowers, with model number RM180B, item number 41AA180G983, and serial numbers ranging from S1E162XK2008 through S1E16XK2008, as well as about 134,000 Troy-Bilt 7.5 amp electric leaf blowers, with model number TB180B, item number 41BA180G966, and serial numbers ranging from S1D111XK0001 through S1F152XK2008. Both products have the model, serial and manufacture date printed on a white label located on the bottom of the motor housing.

The affected Remington models were manufactured between May 13, 2011 and May 16, 2012, and the Troy-Bilt models were manufactured between April 11, 2011 and June 15, 2012. The Troy-Bilt models were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and online at www.troybilt.com from May 2011 through November 2013 for about $34. The Remington models were sold at various retailers nationwide and online at mtdproducts.com from May 2011 through December 2013 for between $30 and $40.

The CPSC recommends that customers discontinue using both models immediately and contact Remington and Troy-Bilt at 888-848-6038 or visit Remington online at www.mtdproducts.com or Troy-Bilt at www.troybilt.com and navigate to the “Recalls” link for information on how to obtain a free replacement leaf blower. Lowe’s customers can return them to the store for a free replacement.