A trouble-plagued cordless mower that has been recalled twice before for posing a fire hazard was recalled again today because the motor can continue to operate after the safety key has been removed. The recall includes
160,000 Black & Decker and Craftsman brand cordless electric push mowers.
Black & Decker has received 34 reports of the motor operating after removal of the safety key, including two incidents that resulted in finger lacerations, one of which required stitches. In the
2002 and
2006 recalls, Black & Decker received 21 reports of electrical components overheating, one that resulted in a minor hand burn and 10 that caused minor property damage extending beyond the mower.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission cautioned consumers to stop using the mowers "immediately" each time it announced a recall. Clearly that didn't happen as the rising number of incidents indicates.
The Black & Decker mowers were sold at home centers, hardware and discount stores, and authorized dealers from September 1995 through December 2006 for about $450. The Craftsman-brand mowers were sold at Sears and Orchard Supply Hardware stores from January 1998 through December 2000 for about $450.
The Black & Decker mowers carry model numbers CMM1000 or CMM1000R and have an orange or green deck with a black motor cover. The Craftsman mowers carry model number 900.370520 and have a dark green deck with a black motor cover. The model number is located on the silver and black label on the rear door of the mower.
Owners of the mowers should call Black & Decker or Sears for a free inspection and repair, or for a credit towards a new cordless lawnmower. Owners who had their mowers repaired as a result of previous recalls, should also have the mowers inspected and repaired as part of this recall. Black & Decker can be reached at (866) 229-5570 or via
its website. If you have a Craftsman mower, call Sears at (888) 281-5314 or visit the
Sears website.
