April 15, 2004
Name of product: Gasoline-Powered Professional Hedge Trimmers
Units: 15,000
Manufacturer/Importer: Shindaiwa Inc., of Tualatin, Ore.
Hazard: The muffler’s retaining bolts can allow the muffler to come
loose from the engine while the hedge trimmer is in operation. A loose muffler
can contact and damage the fuel tank creating a fire hazard. More than 59,000
Shindaiwa hedge trimmers were recalled in October 2003 because of a leaking
fuel cap.
Description: The 30-inch and 40-inch hedge trimmers have red engine
covers, a red fuel cap and a label on the recoil starter that reads
“Professional Shindaiwa.” The recall includes all double-sided professional
hedge trimmer models DH 231 and HT 231 with serial numbers up to 110000. The
serial numbers are printed on a nameplate on the engine cover.
Sold at: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from January 2001 through November
2003 for between $369 and $450.
Manufactured in: Japan
Remedy: Stop using these hedge trimmers and return them to an authorized
Shindaiwa dealer to have the muffler bolts replaced free of charge.
Consumer Contact: Shindaiwa toll-free at (800) 521-7733 between 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.