The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md., announced a voluntary recall of about 160,000 Black & Decker and Craftsman brand cordless electric lawnmowers (these lawnmowers were previously recalled in September 2002 for a fire hazard, and that recall was expanded in August 2006).
Hazard: The lawnmower's motor and blade can unexpectedly turn on after the mower's safety key is removed, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. Removing the safety key is designed to keep this from occurring.
Incidents/Injuries: Black & Decker has received 34 reports of the motor operating after removal of the safety key, including two incidents that resulted in finger lacerations, one requiring stitches.
Description: The recalled cordless electric mowers were sold under both the Black & Decker and Craftsman brand names. The recalled Black & Decker mowers have model number CMM1000 or CMM1000R. All date codes and types are included. The date code and type information are both located on a silver and black label affixed to the rear door of the mower. The Black & Decker mowers have either an orange or green deck with a black motor cover. The Craftsman-brand mowers have model number 900.370520 and include all date codes and types. The model number is located on the silver and black label affixed to the rear door of the mower. The Craftsman-brand mowers have a dark green deck with a black motor cover.
Manufactured in: United States, Canada and Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled lawnmowers immediately and call Black & Decker or Sears for a free inspection and repair, or a credit towards a new cordless lawnmower. Consumers who had their mowers repaired as a result of the previous recalls should also have their mowers inspected and repaired as part of this recall.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers with Black & Decker mowers should contact Black & Decker toll-free at (866) 229-5570 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at blackanddecker.com. Consumers with Craftsman-brand mowers should call Sears toll-free at (888) 281-5314 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday or visit the firm's website at sears.com.
