August 20, 2002
Shindaiwa Announces Recall of Hedge Trimmers Sold in California

Shindaiwa Inc., of Tualatin, Ore., is voluntarily recalling about 3,100 gasoline powered professional hedge trimmers. The catalytic muffler can overheat and damage the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard. Shindaiwa has received eight reports of the catalytic muffler overheating. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recalled hedge trimmers have red engine covers and a label on the recoil starter that reads "Professional Shindaiwa." The recall includes model HT231 with serial numbers between 10100004 and 1111239 and model DH231 with serial numbers between 10100001 and 1100149. The serial numbers are printed on a nameplate on the engine cover. Shindaiwa dealers sold the hedge trimmers in California from April 2001 to September 2001 from $390 to $450 depending on the model.

Consumers should stop using these hedge trimmers immediately and contact their authorized Shindaiwa dealer for a free inspection and muffler system upgrade if required. For more information, consumers can contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.