Kobalt Chainsaw Recall 2020: Saws Sold At Lowe's Recalled Over Laceration Hazard

Over 106,000 Kobalt cordless electric pole saws have been recalled because they may continue to run even after releasing the operation trigger.

The saws were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide from March 2017 to October 2019 for about $180.

They were manufactured by Changzhou Globe Co. Ltd. of China and distributed by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading from January 2017 to February 2019. They have the dates codes Jan. 1, 2017 to Feb. 28, 2019 printed on the side of the guide bar near the oil cap. Kobalt is also printed on the side of the saw.

The affected Kobalt pole saws have a 40 V Lithium-Ion battery and include the Kobalt 49v 2.5AH Pole Saw (item number 79679), Kobalt 40v Pole Saw Bare Tool (item number 1083769), 40v Pole Hedge Saw Combo Kit (item number 970801), SOS Kobalt 40v Pole Saw (item number 812419), and the SOS Kobalt 40v Pole Saw Tool Only (item number 812424).

Images of the saw can be viewed here.

The issue with the saws stems from the release trigger, which under heavy loads, can cause the unit to continue running even after the user releases the trigger. This could pose a laceration hazard to consumers, the company said.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the affected saws. They should contact Hongkong Sun Rise Trading for a free repair.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Hongkong Sun Rise Trading at 1-855-378-8826, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or online at www.greenworksstools.com by clicking on “important safety notice.”

Hongkong Sun Rise Trading has received 65 reports of the saws continuing to operate when the trigger was released. The company said it has not received any reports of injury from the recalled saws.