Ames True Temper, Inc. recalled about 650,000 wheelbarrows on April 16th, 2002 as a result of possible issues with plastic wheel assemblies and rims. When filled with compressed air the plastic wheel rims can break or even explode. This can cause plastic shards from the explosion to fly out possibly injuring consumers.
Serious incidents have occurred including injuries to hands, arms, facial fractures and cuts, as well as permanent injuries.
Two consumers had lawsuits filed on their behalf for a hand injury in Ohio and skull and brain injuries in Georgia. These consumers both reached confidential settlements. Two additional settlements for other consumers have been reached without filing suit.
On June 23rd, 2004 Ames reissued the recall notice for the wheelbarrows. Ames has acknowledged that over twenty consumers have sustained injuries as a result of the plastic wheel rims exploding.
The wheel assemblies on the affected wheelbarrows have a black plastic rim. There is an octagonal shaped hub with 16 spokes radiating out from it. The wheel diameter is approx. 14 inches.
