CPSC, Country Home Products, Inc. Announce Recall to Repair Cordless Electric Lawnmowers

The following product safety recall was conducted voluntarily by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: 2004 Model Neuton Cordless Electric Lawnmowers

Units: 25,000

Importer: Country Home Products, Inc., of Vergennes, Vt.

Hazard: These lawnmowers contain an electronic switch in their handlebar. In certain instances this switch is not aligned properly, in which case the mower does not comply with the mandatory federal safety standard for lawnmowers under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. The safety standards require that lawn mowers contain a blade control system that includes a handlebar that is designed to cause the motor to stop in the event that the operator ceases to maintain a grip on the handlebar. In units containing the defective switch, when the handlebar is released, the motor continues to run which causes the blade to continue to spin. When this occurs, the potential for personal injury or property damage exists.

Incidents/Injuries: No injuries or property damage have been reported. Country Home Products has received 23 reports that the mower and blade did not turn off when the handle was released.

Description: The recalled lawnmowers were sold under the NEUTON name and carry model number 81030. NEUTON is printed on the front portion of the lawnmower. The lawnmowers have a 14-inch cutting width with rear bagging capability.

Sold at: The lawnmowers were sold nationwide from March 15, 2004 through November 12, 2004 through mail orders, internet, and retail stores for about $399.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Known owners of the recalled lawn mower will be notified of this recall. Country Home Products is sending all registered owners instructions on how to determine if their lawn-mower is affected by the recall. The defective handlebars will be replaced at no charge to consumers. If you have the Neuton lawnmower but have not received a set of instructions by December 1, 2004, please contact Country Home Products toll-free at (877) 405-7462 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Consumers may also view and download instructions from Country Home Products' Web site at www.chp.com