JOHN DEERE Kids Toolboxes recalled because of defective handles

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ An Iowa company is recalling about 11,600 John Deere Kids Toolboxes because the toy's carrying handle can break into small parts. Young children could be cut by the parts or could

Thursday, September 6th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ An Iowa company is recalling about 11,600 John Deere Kids Toolboxes because the toy's carrying handle can break into small parts. Young children could be cut by the parts or could swallow them and choke.

Racing Champions Ertl Inc., of Dyersville, Iowa, has not received any reports of injuries, but is recalling the toys as a precaution, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The children's toolbox is a soft-shelled, green plastic box with a yellow handle and yellow raised letters that read ``John Deere.'' A John Deere Kids logo with a fawn inside a red oval is on the front of the toolbox.

The toolbox is sold with a green and yellow plastic ratchet wrench and pliers. Stamped on the toolbox bottom is ``John Deere Licensed Product'' and ``Made in China.''

All yellow-handled toolboxes are included in this recall, but those with green handles are not.

John Deere dealers and other farm supply stores nationwide sold the toys from June 2001 through September 2001 for about $13.

The safety commission advises parents to take the toy away from children and contact the company at 1-866-898-4999 for instructions on returning the toys and receiving a free replacement.