Some 67,000 backpack leaf blowers are being recalled because they can expel plastic pieces, causing potential lacerations. About 6,600 backpack straps are also being recalled.
The products are the ECHO and Shindaiwa brand 2-cycle gas-powered commercial backpack blowers with shoulder straps.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the blower’s shoulder straps, plastic buckles, or the anti-static ground wire can be drawn into the blower fan and fan housing, causing plastic pieces to be expelled from the machine, posing laceration and impact hazards.
CPSC says there have been 62 reports of pieces being expelled. In one case, a customer was struck in the neck, causing minor injuries.
The model and serial numbers can be found on the blower’s engine block. The replacement strap part number appears on the plastic bag at the time of sale. You can see them at this link.
The blowers and straps were sold online through Home Depot, Grainger, and at independent power equipment dealers.
Consumers should immediately stop using the backpack blowers and return them to an authorized ECHO or Shindaiwa dealer for a free repair. Authorized ECHO dealers can be found here and Shindaiwa dealers can be found here.
