Homelite recalls backpack blowers

WASHINGTON - 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 Product: Homelite Backpack Blowers

Units: About 85,000

Distributor: Homelite Consumer Products Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Hazard: The fuel tank can leak gasoline, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Homelite has received 18 reports of fuel tanks leaking gasoline including one report of minor skin irritation.

Description: This recall involves the Homelite Mighty Lite backpack blowers. The blowers are red and black. The following models are affected by this recall:

Product Model UT08580 with Manufacturing Date Codes Range ATK1820001 through ATK3659999

Product Model UT08580A with Manufacturing Date Codes Range ATL1530001 through ATL3669999 & ATM0010001 through ATM1749999

The model number and manufacturing date code are printed on the blower’s data label which is located on the red plastic housing above the choke knob and adjacent to the fuel tank. Products with a green “dot” on the outside of the package or the letters “CA” embossed on the fuel tank are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Home Depot stores and various retailers of refurbished products including Direct Tools Factory Outlets, CPO Homelite, Gardner, Tap Enterprises, Isla Supply and Heartland America stores nationwide from September 2007 through October 2009 for between $90 and $140.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using their backpack blowers immediately and contact Homelite for the closest dealer location to schedule a free fuel tank replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Homelite Consumer Products, Inc. at (800) 242-4672 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.homelite.com .