Toro is recalling 6,700 of its popular Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snowthrowers with the model number 37802 because of an amputation hazard, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The snowblowers have been sold nationwide in Ace Hardware and Home Depot stores.
The problem with the Toro snowblower concerns the auger device which chops up the snow before it is blown to the side. The auger device may not disengage and continue to churn which causes an amputation risk if the operator attempts to remove obstacles from the chute thinking the auger has disengaged.
Toro’s recalled snow blowers have augers that may fail to disengage when the control lever is released — meaning the auger might not stop spinning when it’s supposed to.
This poses a higher risk for injury and amputation, the company says.
“The firm has received five reports of incidents related to auger failing to disengage when the control lever is release,” Toro wrote. “No injuries have been reported.”
On its website, Toro says you should immediately stop using the device and contact an authorized dealer for a free repair. Find one by calling toll free at (833) 254-8856 or by using the online locator tool.
A few years ago, I had a similar case in that I tried to verdict against another company that manufactured a similar product and obtained a million-dollar plus verdict from a Queens jury. If you or a loved one have been injured after using this defective Toro snowblower, please call me for a free initial consultation.
