What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice concerning specific Amerisun-branded snow blowers. This action targets gas-powered, two-stage models manufactured by Amerisun under the PowerSmart line. The primary issue involves units produced during the 2015 through 2017 model years. These machines are easily identifiable by their distinctive red and black color scheme and feature the word "POWERSMART" printed clearly on the plastic cover of the driving controls.
The scope of this recall is quite specific, focusing on a defined list of model numbers and serial number ranges. Consumers need to check their equipment against the following models to determine if they are part of this recall:
- DB7103-24: Includes 2015 models with serial numbers from 0011506710302400001 through 0011511710302402205, and 2016 models with serial numbers from 0011607710302400001 through 0011610710302402322.
- DB7103-26: Includes 2015 models with serial numbers from 0011507710302600001 through 0011509710302600420, and 2016 models with serial numbers from 0011607710302600001 through 0011609710302300861.
- DB7651-24: Covers 2015 models with serial numbers from 0011505765102400001 through 0011510765102413200; 2016 models with serial numbers from 0011605765102400001 through 0011607765102408844; and 2017 models with serial numbers from 0011706710802400001 through 0011709710802403286.
- DB7659H-22: Includes 2016 models with serial numbers from 0011607765912200001 through 0011611765912206552, and 2017 models with serial numbers from 0011707765912200001 through 0011709765912202964.
- DB7659-22: Covers 2015 models with serial numbers from 0011505765902000001 through 0011511765902206909, and 2017 models with serial numbers from 0011708765902200001 through 0011709765902203432.
- DB7103PA-26: Includes 2015 models with serial numbers from 215071032600001 through 215071032600210, and 2016 models with serial numbers from 0011607710322600001 through 0011607710322600246.
- DB7103PA-28: Covers 2015 models with serial numbers from 0011507710302280001 through 0011507710302280210, and 2016 models with serial numbers from 0011607710302280001 through 0011607710302280117.
To verify if your snow blower is affected, you will need to locate two specific stickers. The model number is found on the PowerSmart sticker located on the metal auger housing, just below the chute. The serial number is printed on a barcode sticker situated directly below the PowerSmart sticker. By cross-referencing these numbers with the list above, you can confirm whether your unit is included in this recall.
While the original press release does not specify the exact retail stores or online platforms where these snow blowers were sold, nor the specific geographic regions beyond the mention of incidents occurring in the U.S. and Canada, it is important to note that this recall was announced on June 8, 2018. If you purchased a gas-powered two-stage Amerisun PowerSmart snow blower between the years 2015 and 2017, it is crucial to inspect your machine against the model and serial number criteria provided.
The hazard, explained
When you are deep in the middle of a heavy snowstorm, your snow blower is supposed to be an extension of your arms and legs—reliable, responsive, and powerful. However, in the case of these recalled Amerisun PowerSmart models, a critical mechanical failure can turn that reliability into a sudden trap. The core issue lies in a specific component known as the pulley bolt. In any two-stage gas-powered snow blower, this bolt plays a vital role in connecting the engine’s power to the drive system that moves the machine forward. It acts as a bridge, ensuring that when you engage the wheels, they turn in sync with your speed controls.
The problem identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is that this pulley bolt can loosen over time or due to the intense vibrations generated during operation. Snow blowers are notoriously rough on their own components; they churn through dense, wet snow and ice, subjecting every bolt and gear to significant stress. When the pulley bolt loosens, it disrupts the precise alignment of the drive mechanism. According to reports from Amerisun, this looseness can cause the snow blower to get stuck in "drive mode." This means that even if you release the control lever or attempt to stop the machine, the wheels may continue to move forward uncontrollably. This is not a minor glitch; it is a loss of directional control at a moment when you need it most.
How does this lead to physical injury? The danger arises from the disconnect between your intent and the machine’s action. If the snow blower suddenly lurches forward while you are trying to guide it, reverse it, or clear a particularly stubborn patch of ice, your body may be caught in an awkward position. You might find yourself being pulled toward the auger housing, the chute, or other hard surfaces. Because these machines are heavy and powered by gas engines with significant torque, the force behind an unintended lurch can easily cause you to lose your balance. A fall could result in bruises, fractures, or more serious trauma, especially if your hands or arms are pinned against the machine or the ground. Furthermore, if the machine jerks while the auger is engaged, there is a risk of your clothing or limbs getting caught in the moving parts near the intake.
It is important to note that while the mechanism involves loose hardware, the resulting hazard is about control and momentum. The CPSC data indicates that Amerisun has received twenty reports regarding this issue, with eight specific instances where the snow blower became stuck in drive mode. While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is real because the failure happens without warning. You might be operating the machine normally one second, and the next, it behaves unpredictably. This lack of predictability is what makes the hazard so dangerous, particularly for older adults or anyone who may not have the strength to quickly disengage from a moving machine.
Understanding this mechanism underscores why immediate action is necessary. You cannot simply "wait and see" if the problem resolves itself; loose bolts in high-vibration environments rarely tighten on their own and typically worsen over time. By recognizing that a simple bolt failure can lead to a loss of control, you can appreciate the seriousness of the recall. It is not just about fixing a squeak or a rattle; it is about ensuring that when you release the throttle, the machine stops exactly when you expect it to, keeping you safe from unexpected movements.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is most at risk from this specific recall, it is important to look beyond just the mechanical failure and consider the context in which these Amerisun PowerSmart snow blowers are typically used. The primary group affected by this issue consists of homeowners and property managers who rely on gas-powered, two-stage snow blowers to clear driveways, walkways, and large parking areas during winter months. These are not casual, lightweight electric tools; they are substantial pieces of machinery designed for heavy-duty work. The individuals most vulnerable to the consequences of a loose pulley bolt are those who operate these machines regularly throughout the winter season, particularly in regions that experience significant snowfall requiring frequent clearing.
The nature of the hazard—where the snow blower gets stuck in drive mode due to a loosened pulley bolt—creates a specific type of danger for operators who may be less familiar with high-torque machinery or who are rushing to clear paths quickly. This is often elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges who depend on these machines to maintain safe access to their homes. For this demographic, the mechanical failure is not just an inconvenience; it is a potential trap. If the machine suddenly becomes uncontrollable or jerks forward unexpectedly because the drive system has engaged without warning, a user with slower reflexes or reduced physical strength may struggle to disengage the controls or step out of the way in time. The risk is amplified if the operator is pushing the heavy unit uphill or over uneven terrain, where balance is critical.
Furthermore, while the recall report notes that no injuries have been reported as of the announcement date, the potential for serious harm exists primarily during active operation. The risk is highest when the machine is engaged and moving under power. Therefore, anyone who has purchased one of the affected model years (2015 through 2017) and uses their snow blower in conditions where they might be close to obstacles, vehicles, or other people is potentially at risk. It is also worth noting that while children are not typically the primary operators of heavy gas-powered snow blowers, they may be nearby as passengers or observers. A sudden mechanical failure could cause debris to fly or the machine to lurch in an unpredictable direction, posing a secondary danger to bystanders who did not anticipate the equipment malfunction.
In summary, while the recall affects all owners of these specific Amerisun models regardless of age or physical ability, the severity of the potential outcome is disproportionately higher for older adults, individuals with limited mobility, or those who are operating the machine in complex environments. The risk is not just about the part failing; it is about the loss of control at a moment when steady, predictable operation is essential for safety. If you fall into any of these categories, immediate inspection and repair are not merely recommended—they are a critical step in ensuring your continued safety during the winter season.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact the manufacturer, you need to be absolutely certain that your specific snow blower is part of this recall. Because the affected units span several model years and variations, relying on a general description isn’t enough. You must verify three key details: the brand, the physical appearance, and the specific identification numbers printed on the machine.
First, confirm you are dealing with an Amerisun PowerSmart gas-powered 2 Stage snow blower. These units are distinctively colored in red and black. A clear visual marker is the word "POWERSMART" printed directly on the plastic cover of the driving controls. If your machine does not match this color scheme or branding, it is likely not part of this specific recall.
The most critical step is locating the model and serial numbers. These are not just random codes; they are the only way to confirm if your unit falls within the unsafe range. You will find these stickers on the metal auger housing, which is located just below the chute. There are two important stickers here:
- The PowerSmart Sticker: This sticker contains your Model Number. Look for one of the following models: DB7103-24, DB7103-26, DB7651-24, DB7659H-22, DB7659-22, DB7103PA-26, or DB7103PA-28.
- The Barcode Sticker: Located directly below the PowerSmart sticker, this contains your Serial Number.
Once you have both numbers, you must cross-reference them against the recall list. The recall applies to specific model years (2015 through 2017) and very precise serial number ranges for each model. For example, if you have a DB7103-24 model from 2015, your serial number must fall between 0011506710302400001 and 0011511710302402205 to be included. If your serial number is outside these ranges, or if your model year is different (e.g., a 2018 model), your unit is not part of this recall.
If you are unsure how to read the stickers or cannot find them, do not guess. Take a clear photo of both stickers and the overall machine. You can then share these details with Amerisun’s customer support team when you call 800-791-9458 or visit their website at www.powersmartusa.com. They can quickly verify if your specific serial number is included in the recall list. This verification process is essential because it ensures you only take action if necessary, saving you time and preventing unnecessary worry.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Amerisun PowerSmart snow blowers, your safety is the absolute priority. The recall involves a specific mechanical failure where the pulley bolt can loosen, potentially causing the machine to get stuck in drive mode and posing a serious injury hazard. Because this issue affects the core operation of the equipment, you should not attempt to use it for clearing snow until the problem is resolved. Please follow these concrete steps immediately to ensure your safety and secure your remedy.
Step 1: Stop using the snow blower immediately. The first and most critical action is to cease all operation of the recalled unit. Do not attempt to clear driveways or sidewalks with this machine, regardless of how minor the issue may seem. The risk involves the pulley bolt loosening, which can cause the snow blower to become stuck in drive mode. This mechanical failure presents a direct injury hazard to the operator. By keeping the machine turned off and unplugged (if electric) or disconnected from any power source, you eliminate the immediate danger of unexpected movement or mechanical failure while the unit is under load.
Step 2: Inspect your snow blower for the defect. Before contacting support, you need to verify if your specific unit is affected by this particular fault. The remedy provided by Amerisun requires you to inspect your snow blower to determine if it has a loose pulley bolt. To do this accurately, follow the official inspection instructions available at https://powersmartusa.com/pages/bolt-inspection-instruction-sheet. This resource provides the necessary visual and tactile guidance to help you identify whether the pulley bolt has loosened. It is important to perform this check carefully, as identifying the loose bolt is the prerequisite for receiving your free repair solution.
Step 3: Contact Amerisun for a free remedy. If your inspection confirms that the pulley bolt is loose, you are eligible for a free repair. You should contact Amerisun directly to arrange for this service. You have three convenient options for reaching them: call 800-791-9458 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, send an email to support@amerisuninc.com, or visit their website at www.powersmartusa.com. On the website, please click on "Recall to Repair" located at the bottom of the page. Amerisun will provide you with a free repair kit or instructions on how to have the bolt tightened free of charge. This remedy is designed to restore the safety and functionality of your machine without any cost to you.
Step 4: Complete the repair before resume use. Once you have received the repair kit or professional tightening instructions from Amerisun, follow their guidance precisely to fix the loose pulley bolt. Do not attempt to use the snow blower again until this specific defect has been corrected. This step ensures that the hazard of the machine getting stuck in drive mode is fully mitigated. If you are unsure about any part of the repair process, refer back to the inspection instructions or contact Amerisun support for clarification. Your safety depends on this machine being in proper working order before you expose yourself to the risks of winter maintenance.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your snow blower falls within the scope of this recall, the good news is that Amerisun has established a straightforward and cost-free remedy to address the defect. It is important to approach this process with patience and care, as the primary goal is to ensure your equipment is safe before you ever turn it on again. The company is not asking you to pay for parts or labor; instead, they are offering a free repair kit or complimentary professional tightening of the bolt, depending on your preference and ability to perform the work yourself.
Your first step in this process is to verify the condition of your specific unit. Before contacting customer support, you should inspect your snow blower to see if the pulley bolt is loose. Amerisun provides detailed inspection instructions to help you do this safely and accurately. You can find these step-by-step visual guides on their website at https://powersmartusa.com/pages/bolt-inspection-instruction-sheet. If your inspection confirms that the bolt is indeed loose, you are eligible for the remedy. However, if the bolt appears secure, you may choose to stop here, though many owners still opt to contact the company for peace of mind.
To proceed with the free repair, you have several convenient ways to reach Amerisun directly. You can call their dedicated consumer support line at 800-791-9458. Their representatives are available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication, you may send an email to support@amerisuninc.com. Alternatively, you can navigate to the official Amerisun website at www.powersmartusa.com and scroll to the bottom of the homepage. There, you will find a link labeled "Recall to Repair" which provides additional information and direct access to their support resources.
When you contact Amerisun, be prepared to provide your model number and serial number. As noted in the recall details, these can be found on stickers located on the metal auger housing just below the chute. Having this information ready will speed up the process significantly. Once verified, Amerisun will arrange for you to receive a free repair kit if you wish to tighten the bolt yourself, or they will provide instructions on how to have the bolt tightened at no charge through their service network. There is no refund option listed in this recall; the focus is entirely on correcting the mechanical defect so you can use your snow blower safely for years to come.
Please remember that this remedy is specific to the pulley bolt issue described in the 2018 recall. Do not attempt to ignore the potential hazard or continue using the machine with a known loose bolt, as this could lead to the snow blower getting stuck in drive mode, posing a serious injury risk to you and those around you. By taking these steps now, you are ensuring that your investment is protected and that your winter maintenance routine remains safe.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your snow blower mid-winter. When a heavy snowfall hits and the driveway needs clearing, the last thing anyone wants to hear is that their primary tool for the job is unsafe. The temptation to just keep running the machine, hoping the issue resolves itself or doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, is a very human reaction. However, ignoring this specific defect is not a minor inconvenience; it is a direct pathway to physical harm because the mechanical failure described by Amerisun and the CPSC is active and unpredictable.
The core danger lies in the mechanism’s behavior. The recall highlights that the pulley bolt can loosen over time. This may seem like a small, internal detail, but its function is critical to controlling the machine's movement. When this bolt fails, it causes the snow blower to get stuck in "drive mode." In plain terms, this means the wheels engage and move forward without your permission or control. You are no longer steering the machine; you are merely riding along on a vehicle that has decided where it wants to go. This loss of control is immediate and total regarding forward momentum.
While Amerisun has reported 20 incidents involving this loose bolt, with eight specific cases where the snow blower became stuck in drive mode, we must look at what those reports represent. These are documented mechanical failures. In eight instances, the machine did exactly what the warning describes: it moved uncontrollably. While no injuries have been reported to date for these specific units, the absence of injury in past reports does not guarantee safety for future use. It simply means that so far, the consequences were likely property damage or the frustration of retrieving a runaway machine. There is no guarantee that the next time this happens, you will be standing clear.
The real-world consequences of continuing to use a snow blower with a loose pulley bolt extend beyond just losing control of the direction. A snow blower moving on its own in drive mode can plow into objects it wasn’t aimed at. This can result in significant damage to your property, such as hitting your garage door, cracking siding, damaging landscaping, or even colliding with other vehicles or structures. More importantly, because you cannot stop the forward motion easily while the bolt is loose, you may find yourself unable to react quickly enough to avoid a person, a pet, or a fragile object in its path.
Furthermore, the mechanical stress caused by a loose bolt can lead to further component failure. If the pulley system continues to operate under these compromised conditions, it can cause additional wear on other parts of the transmission or drive train. This might leave you with a broken machine that requires expensive repairs far greater than the free repair kit offered in this recall. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially gambling with both your personal safety and your financial investment in the equipment. The risk is not theoretical; it is a documented mechanical reality that has already caused the machine to behave dangerously in multiple reported cases.
Staying safe: broader tips
Snow blowers are powerful machines that can make winter maintenance much more manageable, but they also demand respect and regular attention to ensure they remain safe for you and your family. While the specific issue with the Amerisun PowerSmart recall involves a loose pulley bolt, maintaining the overall health of your machine requires a broader approach to safety that goes beyond just checking one component. The most critical step in any seasonal equipment cycle is a thorough pre-operation inspection. Before you even turn the key or pull the cord, take a moment to walk around the unit. Look for obvious signs of wear, loose hardware, or damaged cables. This habit not only helps catch potential issues early but also ensures that all safety guards and shields are securely in place, preventing debris from flying unexpectedly.
Regular maintenance is your best defense against mechanical failures. Many hazards associated with gas-powered equipment stem from neglect rather than sudden defects. Follow the manufacturer’s manual for scheduled oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug replacements. A well-maintained engine runs smoother and generates less vibration, which can ironically contribute to bolts loosening over time due to excessive shaking. If your snow blower has been sitting for a long period, check the fuel system carefully. Old gasoline can degrade and cause performance issues that might lead you to force the machine in ways it wasn’t designed to handle, increasing wear on critical drive components.
Understanding your environment is just as important as understanding your machine. Always clear your driveway or walkway of debris such as rocks, sticks, and ice chunks before operating the snow blower. These objects can jam the auger or clog the chute, creating a dangerous situation where you might be tempted to reach into the moving parts to clear them—a major cause of severe injuries. Never operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or prescription medications that could impair your judgment or reaction time. Ensure everyone in your household, including teenagers who may help with chores, knows how to safely shut off the engine and clear jams using a tool, never their hands.
Finally, stay informed about product safety beyond just this specific recall. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory bodies regularly issue alerts for various household goods. Consider signing up for email notifications from these agencies or visiting their websites periodically to check if any of your owned products have been recalled. This proactive approach ensures that you are aware of potential risks associated with items you already own, allowing you to take corrective action before an incident occurs. By combining diligent maintenance with situational awareness and staying updated on safety news, you can enjoy the convenience of your snow blower while keeping your home and family secure throughout the winter season.