Two recent recalls have affected Lowe’s Kobalt chainsaws and pole saws as well as Westinghouse’s portable generators. If you have these products in your possession, check the model numbers to see if you need to return them for a repair or refund.
Westinghouse Recalls Generators for Possible Burn Hazard
On September 16, 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of about 7,500 Westinghouse dual fuel portable generators. The generators can leak fuel, posing a fire and burn hazard.
The company has received 26 reports of fuel leaking from the fuel valve in these products. So far, there have been no reports of fires, injuries, or property damage.
The affected generators include:
- WGen5300DFv
- iGen4500DF
Both have manufacture dates from October 2019 through December 2019 and can run on gasoline or propane. The WGen5300DFv should have a bright blue and black metal exterior with “Westinghouse” and “WGen5300DFv” printed in white lettering on the side of the generator. This model has a fold-down handle and wheels for portability.
The iGen4500DF should have a bright blue plastic cover, with “Westinghouse iGen4500DF” printed in white lettering on both side panels. The serial numbers should be on the back panel (the “x” fields are specific to individual units):
- 04511A1019xxxxxxxxx
- 04511A1219xxxxxxxxx
- 5311A1219xxxxxxxxx
Westinghouse sold the WGen generators at Sam’s Club nationwide and online at SamsClub.com.
The company advises consumers to stop using the generators immediately and contact MWE Investments at 855-944-4796 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday to arrange for a free repair. Consumers can also email the company at info@wpowereq.com or check Westinghouse’s recall website.
Kobalt Recalls Cordless Electric Pole Saws and Chainsaws
On September 23, 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of about 106,400 Kobalt 40-volt Lithium-Ion 8-inch Cordless Electric Pole Saws and about 150,000 40-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Chainsaws.
The switch on the pole saws can fail while under a heavy load, and cause the unit to keep running after the user releases the trigger. This could pose a laceration hazard to consumers. The distributor, Hongkong Sun Rise Trading Lt., of China, has received 65 reports of the saws continuing to run, though no injuries have been reported.
The recall involves those pole saws manufactured from January 2017 through February 2019. Check the CPSC website for item numbers. The products were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com from March 2017 through October 2019 for about $180.
The company advises consumers to stop using the products immediately and contact Hong Kong Sunrise trading for a free repair at 855-378-8826 Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Friday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Consumers can also check the company’s recall page online.
The chainsaws can also remain running after the switch has been turned off, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. Hongkong Sun Rise Trading has received 48 reports of the switch contacts welding causing the chainsaw to remain in the “on” position, but no injuries have been reported.
The chainsaws were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com from January 2014 through March 2020 for about $200. Consumers are advised to stop using the products immediately and call the company at the numbers listed above for a free repair.
Exclusively focused on representing plaintiffs, especially in mass tort litigation, Eric Chaffin prides himself on providing unsurpassed professional legal services in pursuit of the specific goals of his clients and their families. Both his work and his cases have been featured in the national press, including on ABC’s Good Morning America.
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