October 5, 2006

MTD Snow Throwers 

Name of Products: Two-Stage Compact Snow Throwers

Units: About 130,000

Manufacturer: MTD Products Inc, of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: If the snow thrower’s tires are over-inflated, the plastic wheel rims can burst, posing a risk of lacerations and fractures.

Description: The recalled two-stage compact snow thrower is used for snow removal. The snow thrower has two wheels and comes in red, green, gray or black. Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines or Craftsman is printed on the snow thrower’s housing. The model number is located on the snow thrower’s rear frame. The model numbers included in this recall are listed below.

Brand Model Snow Thrower
Troy-Bilt 31AS3BB2766 5.5 HP 24-inch Two Stage
Yard Machines 31A-3AAD700 5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
31A-3BAD700 5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
31A-3BAD729 5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
31A-3BAD752 5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
31A-3BAD762 5.5 HP 22-inch Two Stage
31AS3DDE729 7 HP 24-inch Two Stage
Craftsman 247.88255 5.5 HP 24-inch Two Stage
247.88700 5 HP 22-inch Two Stage

Sold at: The Troy-Bilt and Yard Machines snow throwers were sold at independent dealers, home improvement and hardware stores. The Craftsman brand snow throwers were sold at Sears and Kmart stores. Affected snow throwers were sold from July 2004 through March 2006 for between $500 and $800.

Remedy: Consumers should contact MTD for a free service kit with pressure relief valves, labels and instructions. Consumers with Craftsman brand snow throwers will be mailed a service kit directly by Sears.

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 visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.mtdproducts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/corporate/productRecall.jsp