December 2, 2003
Weed and brush cutters made by Bachtold Brothers Inc. are being recalled. The operator can come in contact with the rotating blade, even when disengaged, by pulling on the front of the mower deck while the engine is running, posing a serious injury hazard to consumers.
The company has received eight reports of laceration injuries.
The recalled Weed and Brush Cutters have an orange or green body and include the W-24 models, sold under the Bachtold Whipper, DR Field & Brush Mower, and B-800 (with a 77-100 deck) brand names. The brand name is printed on the drive box between the engine and the left wheel. DR All-Terrain Field & Brush mowers manufactured by Country Home Products are not included in this recall.
The brush cutters were sold through Country Home Products' catalogues, as well as independent distributors nationwide, from January 1978 through April 2001 for between $950 and $1,600.
Consumers should stop using the units immediately and contact Bachtold if you have the Whipper or B-800 models or contact Country Home Products if you have the DR Field & Brush model to receive a free repair kit. The repair involves the installation of a mechanism that will shut down the engine if and when the operator takes his/her hands off the handlebar.
Call Bachtold Brothers toll-free at (877) 784-5161 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or Country Home Products toll-free at (877) 595-3668 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
