Toro recalls snow throwers due to amputation risk

The Toro Company is recalling approximately 6,700 snowblowers to repair a problem that poses a risk of amputation. The recall of the defective product comes with much of the country blanketed in snow, including states like Texas and Georgia that typically don’t see the winter weather that brings out plows and shovels.

The Bloomington, Minnesota-based company has received five reports of incidents where the auger on its Toro Max snowblower did not disengage when the control lever was released, according to a notice issued by US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

No injuries were reported.

Manufactured in Juarez, Mexico, the recalled snow throwers were sold in stores and online nationwide at authorized Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Toro dealers from November 2020 through January 2021 for approximately $ 1,200.

The recalled snow throwers are from a Toro Power Max 826 OHAE model year 2021 snow thrower with model number 37802 listed on the back of the product. The serial numbers included in the recall can be found on the Toro website.

People who purchased the snow throwers were urged not to use them and to contact a Toro dealer for free repair. Consumers can call the company toll-free at (833) 254-8856 to access a 24-hour Toro dealer locator system, also available online.