There is a recall on Task Force 5-ton Electric Log splitters. These are silver and black models which were sold exclusively at Loweโs stores nationwide from January 2008 โ March 2011 for about $300. It seems that there have been some laceration and amputation issues. Theย electric log splitters have a hydraulic arm that, during use, slidesย under the handle used to move the machine. The moving hydraulic armย can cause a serious cut or even amputation if you place your hands on the handle while operating the splitter. So far thereย have been 2 injuries reported, including a fingertip amputation ofย an 18-year-old and one finger laceration injury of a 60-year-oldย man. Both accidents happened when the operators placed their hands on theย handle while the splitter was in operation.
Hereโs where it gets funny. The recall instructs all consumers to cease using the log splitter, but not because there is anything that will be fixed. Instead, they are to โcontactย Changzhou Globe Tool Group Co. Ltd. to receive a free set of warningย labels including placement instructions.โ
That has got to be one of the weirdest recalls weโve ever seen. In effect, they are saying that the tool isnโt malfunctioning, so much as they are covering their liability by correctly labeling the safety precautions for the splitter. So donโt send in the tool, just contact them and get your free stickers. In addition, the recall itself doesnโt do too much to explain the problem or deliver specific (detailed) instructions for safe use of the toolโฆ no, for that you need to wait for the stickers to show up. It reveals a failing of the system to take advantage of the existing mechanism of actually delivering good and useful information to consumers. Here are the specific recall details:
- Name of Product: Task Force 5-ton electric log splitters
- Units: About 20,000
- Manufacturer: Changzhou Globe Tool Group Co. Ltd., of China
- Hazard: Theย electric log splitters have a hydraulic arm that, during use, slidesย under the handle used to move the machine. The moving hydraulic armย poses a laceration or amputation injury hazard to individuals who placeย their hands on that handle while the splitter is in operation.
- Incident/Injuries: Thereย have been two reports of injuries including a fingertip amputation ofย an 18-year-old man and one finger laceration injury of a 60-year-oldย man. Both individuals were injured after placing their hands on theย handle while the splitter was in operation.
- Description: Theย log splitters are silver and black, electric 5-ton models. The logย splitter is the Task Force Model 26083 with item #241483. Theย item number and model number is printed on the power switch label atย the rear of the log splitter. โTask Forceโ is printed on the side railย of the log splitters.
- Sold Exclusively at: Loweโs stores nationwide from January 2008 through March 2011 for about $300.
- Remedy: Consumersย should immediately stop using the recalled log splitters and contactย Changzhou Globe Tool Group Co. Ltd. to receive a free set of warningย labels including placement instructions.
- Consumer Contact: Forย additional information contact Changzhou Globe Tool Group Co. Ltd.ย toll-free at (866) 456-8934 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday throughย Saturday or send an e-mail to logsplitter@sunrisetools.ca
