Snowblower, grill models recalled for safety issues

Product safety concerns know no season, as evidenced by two recent recalls announced through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Before you use your snowblower again or pack it away for the warmer seasons, check to see if you have an Ariens 13-Horsepower Sno-Throw, Model 924506.

Manufactured by Ariens Co. of Brillion, Wis., the Model 924506 is being recalled because the rotating snow blade may not stop when the blade brake control is applied, resulting in continued blade movement. The potential for injury exists if a person makes contact with the rotary blade. Of course, you already know that you never should approach the front of a snowblower or let anyone else get near the blades when the engine is running.

The recalled machines were sold at Home Depot stores from Oct. 7, 2003, to Oct. 24, 2003, for between $2,500 and $2,800. Some units were sold elsewhere, usually by authorized dealers, but Ariens already has notified those buyers.

If you have one of these snowblowers, stop using it immediately and return it to a local Ariens dealer for a free inspection and, if needed, repair. To check your serial number to see if your unit has been recalled, go to the Ariens Web site, www.ariens.com/safetyrecall, or for more information, call Ariens toll-free at (888) 927-4367 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

And as you prepare to dig your grill out of the snowbank in anticipation of summer days of chicken, steak and burgers flame-broiled down to Oreo size, better check your machine before you fire it up.

CPSC also has recalled 162,000 Bakers & Chefs, Members Mark and Kenmore models Gas Barbecue Grills that were manufactured by Grand Hall Enterprise Co. Ltd. of Taiwan.

If moisture gets inside the temperature gauge, the glass cover on the gauge can break, posing a risk of injury to people nearby. Grand Hall Enterprise Co. Ltd. has received eight reports of temperature gauges breaking, two of which resulted in minor injuries.

The recall includes Bakers & Chefs grills with model numbers Y0655 and Y0656; Members Mark grills with model number Y0660; and Kenmore grills with model numbers 15221 and 15223. The model number can be located on a silver ID tag on the back or side of the grill head. The recalled grills are stainless steel construction or painted steel and have the brand name on the front control panel or on the grill lid. The Bakers & Chefs grills have two casters, two wheels and two side shelves. The Members Mark grill has four casters, two side shelves and a side burner. The Kenmore grills have four casters.

The grills were sold at Sam’s Club and Sears stores nationwide from April 2001 through December 2002. The Members Mark grills sold for about $1,500. The other grills sold for between $249 and $299.

Owners of the recalled grills will receive a free repair kit or replacement temperature gauge directly from the company. The repair kit will consist of a “Glass-Gard” protective film and instructions on how to place the film on the glass covering of the gauge. Testing confirms the glass does not explode when the Glass-Gard is in place. Consumers should not use the grill until the Glass-Gard has been installed in accordance with the instructions.

Consumers who have not received a repair kit or need assistance performing the repair should call Grand Hall at (888) 735-5709 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or log on the Grand Hall Web site at www.grandhall.com.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded, non-profit consumer organization. Individual membership $25, business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.