Ames True Temper Inc. recalls 647,000 wheelbarrows because plastic wheel assembly can explode

Tuesday, April 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Ames True Temper Inc. is recalling about 647,000 wheelbarrows after plastic wheel assemblies have shattered during high-pressure inflation and caused cuts and broken bones.

The Camp Hill, Pa.-based company has received eight reports of the plastic rims breaking, sending pieces exploding out from the wheels, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday. The wheels were manufactured and sold by O. Ames Co., a predecessor company of Ames True Temper.

In seven of the cases, consumers received cuts to their hands, face, chest or arms, including some that required numerous stitches. One incident resulted in nasal and other facial bone fractures, three produced broken fingers or knuckles and one involved torn wrist ligaments.

The Ames wheelbarrows, which the company is recalling voluntarily, have black plastic rims and approximately 14-inch diameter wheels. Sold under the brand name ``Mustang'' or ``Douglas,'' they have red, green or orange tubs or trays made of steel. ``True Temper'' wheelbarrows are not part of the recall, nor are wheelbarrows with metal wheel assemblies.

Stores nationwide sold these wheelbarrows between January 1993 and December 2000, for $20 to $30.

Consumers should not inflate the tires on the wheelbarrows and should contact the company to receive a free replacement steel wheel assembly. For more information, consumers can call Ames True Temper at 866-239-2281 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.