Consumer Recall: Cordless Electric Chainsaws

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for three different brands of cordless electric chainsaws due to their serious – and potentially lethal – hazards. The recalled models all have a defect that affects their brake guards, which leaves thousands of consumers in danger for serious and preventable injuries.

Although no consumer injuries have been reported so far, the CPSC has enacted a fast track recall process. When fast track recalls are initiated the CPSC, along with numerous other companies and firms, quickly work to get dangerous products off the shelves and to promote awareness across consumers to further lessen the chances for serious injury and/or death.

Defective Products: Chainsaws and Brake Guards

Generally, electric chainsaws are light-to-medium weight pieces of machinery that people can use for a variety of purposes. They are used in plenty of work settings as well as for personal use, such as landscaping around the backyard. Because chainsaws can be extremely dangerous – primarily because of their sharp chains – they need to be manufactured safely and up-to-code with federal safety standards.

The main purpose of a chainsaw’s brake guard is to act as a safety measure against injuries. Effective brake guards can help protect consumers against damages in two major ways. They are:

• Securing the cutting chain itself (e.g. when a user is changing positions or in between cuts), and:
• Minimizing the chances for serious or catastrophic injury by protecting users from contact with a moving cutting chain in case it is unsecured

Because the recalled models have defective brake guards, they fail to protect consumers in the way they are intended to. You can read more about the CPSC’s recall below.

The Recalled Models

The CPSC’s recall includes 5 different models of electric chainsaws, three of which are manufactured by the same company (Greenworks). Altogether, three brands are included. Two different versions of the Greenworks Pro electric chainsaws (one of which is a brushless and cordless version while the other is solely cordless) have been pulled from shelves, as well as the Greenworks Commercial model. In addition, Snapper XD and Kobalt’s electric chainsaws have also been recalled for the same hazardous defect.

The recalled brands were sold on Amazon.com, Lowes.com as well as in Lowe’s stores nationwide from January 2015 to October 2017. Prices ranged anywhere from $170-$300. The same company distributes the five models of recalled products: Hongkong Sun Rise Trading Ltd., of China. If you do own a recalled model, you should immediately discontinue use and contact the distributor for a free repair. If you sustained any injuries from one of the defective models and have legal questions or concerns, please contact a representative at our firm directly.

Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Represent Victims of Defective Products

If you sustained injuries because of a defective or dangerous product, please contact our Philadelphia product liability lawyers at Galfand Berger. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.