Snowblower Recalls, Just in time for Summer

May 12th, 2016. By Admin

Here’s a question—what do you do when your snow blower catches fire? Who knew they could? It’s minus 20 outside, and you’re out there clearing an apocalyptic snow fall from your driveway and bammo! —up the thing goes in flames. From snow blower to barbeque—just like that. I’m betting that would improve a person’s circulation pretty fast.

Seems crazy right? But a quick scan on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website reveals that spontaneous combustion (ok—that’s a little melodramatic perhaps) isn’t such an uncommon trait among these devices, begging the question—has anyone bothered to test their design?

The most recent recall for snow blowers that can overheat, “posing a fire and burn hazard,” as the CSPC puts it, is Ryobi Brushless Snow Blowers. (Yes—brushless. Don’t ask.)

On April 26^th—just a little late in the season guys—a recall notice was posted for these things in the US and the great white north just across the border (Canada).

The description on the CPSC website states that One World Technologies (there’s your first clue) had posted an important safety notice on its website. They were recalling 300 of these things in the US and some 370 in Canada.

Short of experiencing the pyrotechnics first hand, how are you supposed to know if you have a defective “Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Snow Blower”? There should be model number information on the back of the blower–and you’re looking for model numbers RY40802, RY40802A and RY40822.

The CPSC blurb continues: “One World has received two reports of snow blowers overheating during or immediately after use. Of the two reports, one consumer reported seeing flames which were immediately extinguished. No injuries or property damage have been reported.” Well, that’s a relief.

The recommended course of action to avoid possibly injury or property damage? “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snow blowers…(if the thing caught fire I would imagine it would have stopped working of its own accord) and return them to One World Technologies for a full refund.” Of course, if you can’t get out of your driveway because you haven’t been able to clear a path because your snow blower caught fire, well…at least summer’s on the way.

The good news is you only have to travel to you nearest Home Depot, and get in line with dozens of other people, who may be returning other defective snow blowers. Here’s a list of “related recalls” as posted on the CSPS website, just in case you missed them

All (not just some, so don’t worry if you threw the packaging out) Power America Snow Throwers 

Briggs & Stratton Ariens Compact Snow Blowers, Due to Fire Hazard

Toro Power Clear Snowblowers and Recycler Mowers, Due to Fire or Burn Hazard (they’ve got both seasons covered)

American Honda Snowblowers, Due to Fire Hazard

Snow Blowers by The Toro Company, Due to Fire Hazard

Sno-Tek Snow Blowers by Liquid Combustion Technology, Due to Laceration Hazard

Love this one – “Snow Throwers by Ariens Company Due to Injury Hazard.” Yes, “Injury” – leaving their options open, I guess. According to the blurb: “Users trying to clear the collector or discharge chute while the machine is operating could be at risk of a finger or hand injury hazard.” You think?

Who knew that clearing snow could be such a dangerous and adrenalin filled experience. Wonder what grass cutting season will bring?

Tags: Defective Products, Recall, Snowblower

This was posted on Thursday, May 12th, 2016 at 4:28 pm and is filed under Defective Products . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.