MTD Snow Throwers Recalled – Plastic Wheel Rims Can Burst and Injure Users

Release #07-003 Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 848-6038
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: Two-Stage Compact Snow Throwers

Units: About 130,000

Manufacturer: MTD Products Inc, of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: If the snow thrower's tires are over-inflated, the plastic wheel rims can burst, posing a risk of lacerations and fractures.

Incidents/Injuries: MTD has received reports of 16 injuries, including fractured fingers, a broken toe, and facial lacerations.

Description: The recalled two-stage compact snow thrower is used for snow removal. The snow thrower has two wheels and comes in red, green, gray or black. Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines or Craftsman is printed on the snow thrower's housing. The model number is located on the snow thrower's rear frame. The model numbers included in this recall are listed below.

Brand	Model	Snow Thrower
Troy-Bilt	31AS3BB2766	5.5 HP 24-inch Two Stage
Yard Machines	31A-3AAD700	5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
	31A-3BAD700	5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
	31A-3BAD729	5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
	31A-3BAD752	5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
	31A-3BAD762	5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
	31AS3DDE729	7 HP 24-inch Two Stage
Craftsman	247.88255	5.5 HP 24-inch Two Stage
	247.88700	5 HP 22-inch Two Stage

Sold at: The Troy-Bilt and Yard Machines snow throwers were sold at independent dealers, home improvement and hardware stores. The Craftsman brand snow throwers were sold at Sears and Kmart stores. Affected snow throwers were sold from July 2004 through March 2006 for between $500 and $800.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should contact MTD for a free service kit with pressure relief valves, labels and instructions. Consumers with Craftsman brand snow throwers will be mailed a service kit directly by Sears.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact MTD toll-free at (888) 848-6038 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.mtdproducts.com