Additional Finger Amputation and Crushing Injury Reported; New Repair Kit Available
Generac has reannounced the recall (Recall number: 23-040) of Generac® and DR® 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable generators due to the condition that an unlocked handle can pinch consumers’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards. The firm has received a total of 37 reports of injuries, 24 resulting in finger amputations and five in finger crushing.
This recall involves 6500-watt and 8000-watt Generac portable generators with unit type numbers XT8000E XT8000EFI, GP6500, GP6500E, GP8000E and HomeLink 6500E portable generators, and DR models PRO 6500M and PRO 6500E portable generators. This recall also involves all of these generators listed above purchased after July 29, 2021 through November 3, 2022, containing a repair kit which included full cover handle guards. The generators have gasoline-powered engines that are used to generate electricity for use as backup power. The portable generators have two-wheels and a single, U-shaped, two-grip, flip-up pin-lock handle to help move the generator.
Consumers can check specific unit type, model number, and serial number location information at www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable generators, unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator, and contact Generac for a free repair kit consisting of a set of spacers to move the handle away from the frame, eliminating the pinch point. Customers who had responded to the original recall will automatically be sent a new kit.
About 321,160 units have been sold. (In addition, 4,575 were sold in Canada) These portable generators were previously recalled in July 2021. They were sold at major home improvement and hardware stores nationwide and online, including Ace Hardware, Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, City Electric Supply, Costco, Do it Best, Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe’s Stores, Napa Auto Parts, Northern Tool & Equipment, Orgill, Power Equipment Direct, Ravitsky Bros., True Value, and W.W. Grainger from June 2013 through June 2021 for between $790 and $1,480.
