Firms recall range, snow thrower, jacket

After the past weekend’s weather, you don’t need a reminder to keep your snow thrower handy, but if you own a Toro model, check it out before using it again. The Toro Co. is recalling 3,400 Toro Snow Commander snow throwers because the plastic fuel tank can crack and leak gasoline, posing a risk for fire and injury.

The recall includes 2001 Toro Snow Commanders with model numbers 38600 (serial numbers between 210000001 and 210999999) and 38602 (serial numbers between 210000001 and 210999999). The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the axle plate between the wheels.

The snow throwers were sold nationwide October 2000 through March 2003 for $850 to $950. If you own one of these, stop using it, and contact your Toro authorized service dealer to find out if your model is included in the recall. If necessary, the dealer will schedule a time to install a free replacement fuel tank. For more information, contact Toro at (800) 689-8671 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday or 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.toro.com.

In another recall, S. Rothschild & Co. Inc. of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 37,000 girls’ iridescent, hooded winter jackets. The rubber petal and metal snap can break off the jacket, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The recalled jackets are blue, lilac, pink, raspberry and magenta and include sizes that range from extra small to 5T. The style numbers, which can be found on a tag attached to the left sleeve, are 52913, 52813J, 12913K, B2913, 32813, 12816C, 3281J, 82819D, 82816D, and 32816C. The jacket labels include the words, “Little Impressions,” “Rothschild,” “Izzi’s Kids,” or “Clockwise” and were made in India. Major retail stores nationwide sold the jackets from May 2002 through December 2002 for $25 to $45.

Consumers should stop using the jackets immediately and contact S. Rothschild and Co. at (800) 301-3411 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to arrange for the jacket to be repaired and returned free of charge.

The last recall we have to report will send you to your kitchen. Maytag Corp. is recalling about 23,000 Gemini gas ranges. The range can experience a delayed ignition flashback fire in the upper oven, posing a fire and burn hazard. Maytag has received reports of flashback fires, including three minor burn injuries and incidents where people suffered singed hair or clothing.

The recall involves all Maytag Gemini gas ranges. Gemini ranges are free-standing, have separate upper and lower ovens, and come in white, black, bisque and a stainless finish. The “Maytag” and “Gemini” names and logos appear on the control panel. The recalled ranges have a model number of MGR6772 and a serial number with the letters AJ through AX or CA through CC, both of which are located on a flip-up serial tag behind the upper left corner of the control panel. Retail appliance stores nationwide sold the ranges from July 2002 through February 2003 for $1,300 to $1,500.

If you have one of these models, immediately stop using the upper oven self-clean and broil features and do not use the upper oven simultaneously with the lower oven. Contact Maytag at (866) 580-9177 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday to arrange for a free, in-home repair by an authorized Maytag customer service contractor. For more information, visit Maytag’s Web site at www.maytag.com.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT/The Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. For help or to request individual or business membership information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.