Kohler Recalls Engines Sold with Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Tractors; Laceration Hazard Posed

NEWS from CPSC


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2011

Release #11-215 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 451-2294

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908



Kohler Recalls Engines Sold with Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Tractors; Laceration Hazard Posed

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.



Name of Product: Kohler Courage Engines



Units: About 10,000



Manufacturer: Kohler Co., of Kohler, Wis.



Hazard: A wire connector on the engine can become disconnected causing the operator’s seat switch to fail. When this happens, the blades will not shut down, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.



Incidents/Injuries: None reported.



Description: This recall involves Kohler Courage twin-cylinder engines sold with three brands of lawn tractors: Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt. The vertical-shaft gasoline engines range in horsepower from 20 to 25. Engines included in this recall have serial numbers with the first five digits beginning with 41028 through 41056. Serial numbers can be found on the black engine cover.



Sold at: Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Company stores, and by authorized Cub Cadet dealers nationwide from February 2011 through April 2011 for between $1,500 and $5,700.



Manufactured in: USA



Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the lawn tractors and contact an authorized Kohler dealer or the retail location where the tractor was purchased for a free inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kohler Co. at (800) 451-2294 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.kohlerengines.com/

Cub Cadet
LTX1046

RZT42

SLTX1050

Z-Force S48

Husqvarna

LGT2554

RZ4623

Troy-Bilt

Mustang RZT50  

Colt RZT42











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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov



CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.



Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.



To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

CPSC Alert: Counterfeit Smoke Alarms Distributed in Atlanta!!!

NEWS from CPSC


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 27, 2011

Release #11-232 CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908



CPSC Alert: Counterfeit Smoke Alarms Distributed in Atlanta

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers in the Atlanta area to check their homes for counterfeit smoke alarms. About 18,500 counterfeit photoelectric smoke alarms were distributed for free in the Atlanta area between 2006 through May 2011 as part of the Atlanta Smoke Alarm Program. The smoke alarms can fail to alert consumers in the event of a fire.



The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, which distributed the free smoke alarms as part of a fire safety campaign, is recalling the smoke alarms and is working to provide free smoke alarm inspections and replacement units. Consumers who received these alarms should immediately contact the Atlanta Smoke Alarm Recall Hotline at (404) 546-2733.



The counterfeit alarms can be identified by a silver Underwriters Laboratories' UL label on the back and three sets of vented slots on the front. The UL label is counterfeit. The alarms do not have a model number or brand name printed on them. "Important: Refer to Manual for Operating Instruction and Safety" and "Do Not Paint" are stamped into the plastic on the front of the alarm in both English and German. The package states, "This Smoke Alarm save [sic] life and property by early warning!" Claims that smoke alarms can "save property" are not typical claims for smoke alarms. The packaging states, "10 YEAR LIFE LITHIUM BATTERY," but the battery included with the smoke alarm is a carbon zinc, industrial, heavy duty battery, which will power the alarm for only one year.



CPSC's independent testing of the smoke alarms determined that the alarms pose a life safety hazard to the occupants in the event of a fire. The alarms perform poorly and inconsistently and do not meet voluntary standards requirements in Underwriters Laboratories' (UL) 217, Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. The smoke alarms' sensitivity settings varied greatly between the alarms tested. Some alarms did not respond within an adequate time for life safety and other alarms did not respond at all.



CPSC has worked with the voluntary standards organizations to improve smoke alarm performance and reliability. Counterfeit alarms can put lives at risk. Working smoke alarms that meet the voluntary standards are proven to save lives. CPSC urges consumers to install smoke alarms on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. Replace batteries at least once every year and test the alarms once a month.



Counterfeit UL Label



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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov



CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.



Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.



To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Husqvarna Recalls TuffTorq Yard Tractors Due to Loss of Braking Ability

Recall Alert


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 9, 2011

Alert #11-742



Husqvarna Recalls TuffTorq Yard Tractors Due to Loss of Braking Ability

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.



Name of Product: Husqvarna Yard Tractors with TuffTorq K46LD Transaxle



Units: About 1,600



Manufacturer: Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.



Hazard: The yard tractor's transaxle can experience intermittent drive failure, posing a risk of reduced or lost braking ability.



Incidents/Injuries: None reported.



Description: This recall involves orange, Husqvarna yard tractors with TuffTorq K46LD transaxle. Yard tractors included in the recall have model numbers YTH23V42LS and YTH24V48LS and serial numbers ranging from 050110A001000 to 123110D999999. The first six digits of the serial number is a date code. Tractors included in the recall have a serial date range of May 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Model and serial information is located on an identification plate attached to the underside of the seat.



Sold at: Husqvarna authorized dealers nationwide from May 2010 through December 2010 for between $2,300 and $2,800.



Manufactured in: USA



Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled yard tractors and contact Husqvarna to schedule a free repair at an authorized Husqvarna dealer.



Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Husqvarna toll-free at (877) 257-6921 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit the firm's website at www.husqvarna.us



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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov



CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.



Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.



To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

General Electric, Sharp Recalls GE Air Conditioning and Heating Units Due to Fire Hazard

NEWS from CPSC


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2011

Release #11-247 Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 918-8771

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908



General Electric, Sharp Recalls GE Air Conditioning and Heating Units Due to Fire Hazard

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.



Name of Product: GE Zoneline Air Conditioners and Heaters



Units: About 90,600



Distributor: GE Appliances and Lighting, of Louisville, Ky.



Manufacturer: Sharp Corp., of Osaka, Japan



Hazard: An electrical component in the heating system can fail, posing a fire hazard to consumers.



Incidents/Injuries: General Electric and Sharp have received four reports of incidents involving smoke and/or fire with the air conditioning and heating units. In two of the reported incidents, fire extended beyond the air conditioning and heating unit, resulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported.



Description: This recall involves GE Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) and packaged terminal heat pumps manufactured between January 2010 and March 2011, and are most often used in apartment buildings and commercial space. The GE logo is affixed to the control panel door. Serial and model are printed on the rating plate. Consumers will need to remove the front panel to locate the model and serial information. The following models and serials are included in this recall:



Brand Model Number (Begins with) Serial Number (Begins with)

GE AZ41, AZ61 AT, DT, FT, GT, HT, LT, MT, RT, ST, TT, VT and ZT



AV, DV and FV



Sold by: General Electric authorized representatives and HVAC distributors nationwide from March 2010 through March 2011 for between $1,000 and $1,200.



Manufactured in: China



Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the air conditioning and heating units in the heat mode and contact General Electric to schedule a free repair.



Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact General Electric toll-free at (866) 918-8771 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com/products/recall











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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov



CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.



Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.



To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

NEWS from CPSC


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2011

Release #11-265 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 379-2200

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908



Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.



Name of Product: Hamilton Beach® classic chrome 2-slice toasters



Units: About 300,000



Importer: Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Va.



Hazard: The heating element in these toasters can remain energized indefinitely when an item is placed in the toaster which may ignite the contents, posing a fire hazard if the toaster is near flammable items.



Incidents/Injuries: Hamilton Beach has received 15 reports of toasters that did not pop-up as intended, including three reports of minor damage to kitchen cabinets. There were no reports of injuries.



Description: The Hamilton Beach recall involves model 22600 toasters with specific series codes. These series codes begin with the letters C or D, and have the format of CXXXXBI or DXXXXBI, where XXXX is a four-digit number ranging from 0190 through 5290. The model number and series code are printed on the bottom of the toaster. The toaster has a chromed steel exterior, a front control panel with a rotary toast shade selector and function buttons arranged in an arc, a front removable crumb tray and Hamilton Beach printed across the front of the toaster.



Sold at: Mass merchandisers and department, grocery and home center stores nationwide and various online retailers from February 2008 through June 2011 for between $30 and $40.



Manufactured in: China



Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and contact the firm to receive instructions on how to obtain a free replacement toaster.



Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hamilton Beach at (800) 379-2200 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.hamiltonbeach.com. General toaster safety information available from Hamilton Beach at (http://tinyurl.com/43va5sd) (pdf).











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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov



CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.



Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.



To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Viking Range Corporation Agrees to $450,000 Civil Penalty for Failing to Report Defective Refrigerators

NEWS from CPSC


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2011

Release #11-269 CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908



Viking Range Corporation Agrees to $450,000 Civil Penalty for Failing to Report Defective Refrigerators

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Viking Range Corporation, of Greenwood, Miss., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $450,000. The penalty agreement (pdf) has been provisionally accepted by the Commission.



The settlement resolves CPSC staff allegations that Viking Range Corporation was aware for years of a defect involving its refrigerator door hinge support mechanisms that resulted in incidents and injuries to consumers; yet the firm failed to report immediately to CPSC as required by federal law. Viking reported the safety defect to the Commission in April 2009, and the firm agreed to a recall in June 2009. Subsequent investigation conducted by CPSC staff uncovered that by that time the firm was aware of at least 10 reports of injuries involving Viking refrigerator hinge failures going back over several years.



CPSC and Viking Range Corporation announced a recall of more than 45,000 Viking refrigerators in June 2009. The hazard identified with the refrigerators is that refrigerator hinges and hardware that attach the doors to the refrigerator box can loosen, sag and detach, posing an impact injury hazard to consumers if the door detaches. Viking sold the refrigerators through appliance and specialty retailers from July 1999 through April 2006.



Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors and retailers to report to CPSC within 24 hours after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or fails to comply with any consumer product safety rule or any other rule, regulation, standard or ban enforced by CPSC.



In agreeing to the settlement, Viking Range Corporation denies CPSC staff allegations as to the existence of a defect or hazard or that it violated the law.



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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov



CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.



Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.



To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Honeywell Recalls Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats Due to Burn Hazard

NEWS from CPSC


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2011

Release #11-289 Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 235-7363

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Honeywell Recalls Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats Due to Burn Hazard

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.



Name of Product: Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats



Units: About 77,000



Importer: Honeywell International Inc., of Morris Township, N.J.



Hazard: The thermostats can overheat, causing them to melt and smoke. This poses a burn hazard to the consumer.



Incidents/Injuries: Honeywell has received 16 reports of thermostats melting. There have been no reports of injuries.



Description: The recalled thermostats are rectangular, white, programmable thermostats used to control electric baseboard and fan heaters. “Honeywell” or “Cadet” is printed on the front of the thermostats that come in various sizes. The model number and four-digit date code are printed on a label inside the front cover of the thermostat. The model numbers listed below are included in this recall. Only models with date codes beginning with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 or 06 are included.



Brand Name Model Number

Honeywell CT1950A1003

Honeywell CT1950B1002

Honeywell CT1957A1008

CADET T4700B1030

CADET T4700A1040

Honeywell T4700B1014

Honeywell T4700A1016



Sold at: Home improvement stores, HVAC and electrical stores, and contractors from January 2000 to December 2007 for between $80 and $300.



Manufactured in: Singapore



Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled thermostats by setting the thermostats to 45 degrees or turning them off. Only models with a “B” in the model number have an off switch. Consumers should contact Honeywell for a free replacement installed by Honeywell.



Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honeywell toll-free at (888) 235-7363 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT. Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at http://www.yourhome.honeywell.com/T4700













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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov



CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.



Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.



To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.