MTD Southwest Inc. Recalls Troy-Bilt, Craftsman Chain Saws

Name of Product: Troy-Bilt and Craftsman Brand Gasoline Chain Saws

Units: About 76,000

Importer: MTD Southwest Inc., of Tempe, Ariz.

Hazard: The chain saw’s plastic front handle can break during operation. If this occurs, the saw would be difficult to control and poses a risk for lacerations.

Description: These Troy-Bilt and Craftsman brand chain saws are powered by a two-cycle gasoline engine ranging in size from 46cc to 55cc. They are equipped with either an 18-inch or 20-inch bar. There are four Troy-Bilt models affected: 41AY00AR966, 41AY60AR766, 41AY90AR766 and 41AY08AR966. There is one Craftsman “Incredi-Pull” model affected: a 55cc two-cycle gasoline engine with an 18-inch bar and model number 316.350840. The model number of the chain saw is located on the engine casing.

Sold at: The Troy-Bilt brand chain saws were sold at independent retailers, home improvement and hardware stores nationwide from January 2004 through June 2006 for between $200 and $250. The Craftsman brand chain saws were sold at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide from January 2004 through June 2006 for between $190 and $230.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately, and contact MTD to receive a free service kit with a replacement handle and installation instructions. Sears customers will be mailed a free service kit with a replacement handle and installation instructions.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact MTD toll-free at (888) 848-6038 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or log onto the company’s Web site at http://www.troybilt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DisplayContentView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=14102&pageName=product_recall.html - Sears customers should call Sears at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday.