MTD recalls leaf blowers over laceration hazard

Tempe, Ariz.-based MTD Southwest Inc. is recalling several thousand Remington and Troy-Bilt electric leaf blowers, citing a laceration hazard applicable to both brands.

The blower's impeller has a reported tendency to break and strike the operator during use. MTD received 17 incident reports related to the Troy-Bilt model, which included 12 injuries that resulted in cuts, bruises and lacerations requiring stitches. One incident involving the Remington model was reported, which resulted in cuts and bruises.

Affected Remington blowers have the model number RM180B, item number 41AA180G983 and serial numbers ranging from  S1E131XK0001 through S1E162XK2008. They were sold at various retails nationwide and online at mtdproducts.com from May 2011 through December 2013 for between $30 and $40.

Troy-Bilt blowers have the model number TB180B, item number 41BA180G966 and serial numbers ranging from S1D111XK0001 through S1F152XK2008. They were sold at Lowe's stores nationwide and online at troybilt.com from May 2011 through November 2013 for about $34.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to stop using the blowers immediately and contact the respective companies for a free replacement. Customers who bought Troy-Bilt blowers from Lowe's can contact Lowe's for a replacement.

The recall affects about 24,000 units of the Remington model and 134,000 units of the Troy-Bilt blower.