Stihl HSA 65 battery hedge trimmer laceration-hazard recall (CPSC June 14, 2016)

## Affected machines This bulletin covers all Stihl **HSA 65** battery-powered hedge trimmers. Sold at authorized Stihl dealers nationwide from **June 2010 through April 2016** for about $300. - US units: ~8,000 - Canada units: ~1,000 (covered by separate Health Canada notice) The hedge trimmer is gray and orange with a loop handle, removable battery, and a 20-inch hedge trimming blade. "STIHL" and "HSA 65" are printed on the side of the battery compartment between the trigger and the loop handle. **Manufacturer:** VIKING GmbH, of Austria. **Importer:** Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Virginia. ## Issue An electronic defect in the trimmer's control electronics can cause one or more of these failure modes: - The hedge trimmer operates **faster than expected**. - The blades **continue moving briefly after the trigger is released**. - The trimmer **operates by depressing either the trigger or the front handle switch individually**, rather than requiring both to be engaged simultaneously as the design intends. Any of these conditions presents a laceration hazard. Reported field incidents at time of recall: - 7 reports of the trigger or front handle switch not operating properly - 0 injuries ## What to do 1. Identify the unit by the "HSA 65" model marking on the side of the battery compartment. 2. **Stop using the trimmer immediately.** 3. Take it to an authorized Stihl dealer for **free replacement with the successor model HSA 66**. Batteries, chargers, and other accessories from the HSA 65 are compatible with the HSA 66 and will not be exchanged. 4. Contact Stihl Inc. at (800) 610-6677 or email stihlrecall@stihl.us with questions. ## Hazard Severity is rated **warning** because no injuries were reported. The defect mode is concerning (a hedge trimmer that won't stop when expected, or that runs with only one safety control engaged) but the field incident count is low and remediation is straightforward (free replacement with the successor unit). This severity calibration is consistent with TNB02600079 (Stihl MSA 300 delayed-brake laceration hazard, also a control-system defect with low injury count). ## Related bulletins A related Health Canada and European recall covered both the HSA 65 and the **HSA 85** (a larger sibling model not sold in the US under the same recall). ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "STIHL Recalls Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers Due to Laceration Hazard," CPSC announcement, June 14, 2016. - Stihl HSA 65 recall page: https://www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/hsa-65-recall/