The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Shindaiwa Inc., recently announced a voluntary recall of the DH231 and HT231 gas-powered professional hedge trimmers with serial numbers 1010000 through 5050000. The serial number is printed on the engine cover.

The heat from the hedge trimmer’s muffler can damage the fuel tank, cause a fuel leak and create a fire hazard. Shindaiwa has received 10 reports of fuel tanks leaking. Two small fires were reported, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The trimmers were sold at Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from January 2001 through April 2005 for between $389 and $449. Consumers should stop using these hedge trimmers immediately and contact an authorized Shindaiwa dealer to have a new fuel tank and heat shield assembly installed free of charge.