3. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2012
Release #12-118

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 432-3246
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

ECHO Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Gas Powered Backpack Blower

Units: About 16,000

Manufacturer: ECHO Inc., of Lake Zurich, Ill.

Hazard: The fuel line between the fuel tank and carburetor could have been damaged during assembly leading to fuel leakage, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: This recall involves two models of the ECHO 2-cycle gas powered backpack blowers. The 25.4 cc blowers are orange and black in color and "ECHO" is printed on the pull starter housing and blower tube. Model numbers are on a label near the pull starter handle. Serial numbers are on a label near the gas filler cap. Models and corresponding serial numbers included in this recall:

Model Serial Numbers
PB-265L P093121 35519 through P093121 50152 PB-265L P078110 20732 through P078110 22309

Sold at: Home Depot and authorized ECHO dealers from August 2011 through January 2012 for about $270.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the backpack blowers and return them to an authorized ECHO servicing dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact ECHO toll-free at (800) 432-3246 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.echo-usa.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
[www.cpsc.gov]