300K portable generators recalled after finger amputations reported

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WXIN) — More than 300,000 portable generators are being recalled over amputation and crushing risks.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall involves 6500-watt and 8000-watt Generac, HomeLink and DR brands of portable generators. They were sold at major home improvement and hardware stores nationwide and online.

Generac Power Systems owns the DR and Homelink brands.

The CPSC says the recalled generators have gasoline-powered engines that are used to generate electricity for use as backup power. The portable generators have two wheels and one “U-shaped, two-grip, flip-up pin-lock handle” to help move the generator.

The generators were initially recalled in July 2021 after Generac received eight reports of injuries. Since then, the company has received a new total of 37 reported injuries, including 24 reports of finger amputations and five reports of finger crushing.

The CPSC said the issue with the products is that an unlocked handle can pinch the fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved.

The following generators are subject to recall:

Unit Type	Model Number	First Serial Number	Last Serial Number
XT8000E	G0064330
	G0064331	3000037849	3005569372
	G0064340
	G0064342
XT8000EFI	G0071620
	G0071621	3003336356	3006597843
	G0071621R
GP6500	G0076720
	G0076800
	G0076800R
	G0076812
	G0076830
	G0076830R
	G0076902
	G0076902R
	G0076903
GP6500E	G0076820
	G0076820R
	G0076822
GP8000E	G0076731
	G0076751
	G0076751R
	G0076761
	G0076761R
	G0076861
	G0076861R
PRO 6500M	GP16505DMN
	GP16505DMNR
PRO 6500E	GP16505DEN
HomeLink 6500E	G0068650
	G0068651
	G0079960

The unit type can be found on the front of the product, while the model and serial numbers are printed on a product label.

Anyone with the recalled portable generators should stop using them unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator. They should then contact Generac for a free repair kit consisting of a set of spacers to move the handle away from the frame to eliminate the pinch point.

Anyone with questions can contact Generac toll-free at 844-242-3493 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the recall page.