| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| December 2, 1987 | |
| Release # 87-078 |
Hedstrom Offers Fuse Protector Kit For "Probe VI" Battery-Powered Riding Toy
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hedstrom Corporation, Bedford, Pennsylvania, is voluntarily repairing the wiring harness in approximately 30,000 Hedstrom Probe VI battery-powered riding toys manufactured prior to June 1985 without fuses. The Commission and Hedstrom are aware of eight reported incidents in which these vehicles have caught fire. One of these incidents resulted in a serious fire in a mobile home. Fire can occur either while the toy is being stored or while it is being ridden by a child.The Probe VI is a 6-wheeled, 2-speed toy all terrain vehicle with two motors powered by two 6-volt gel-type lead acid batteries. A separate charger is supplied with each vehicle. The manufacturer recommends this toy for children from 3 to 7 years of age. Probe VI toys without fuses were manufactured from 1983 to June 1985 and distributed nationally.
The affected units can be identified by the model identification label located on the front underside of the plastic body (see attached diagram). Hedstrom began using wiring harnesses with fuses at the batteries in June 1985. Units with fuses are not affected. Models affected are: 67-3890, 67-3891, 67-3892, 67-38921, 67-3893 and 67-38931 with dates of manufacture prior to June 1985, as shown on the model identification label.
Hedstrom Corporation will provide a fuse protector kit free of charge to all owners of Probe VI vehicles without fuses in the wiring harness. Consumers should remove the batteries from these vehicles so the toys cannot be used until the fuse protector kit is installed. To obtain a free fuse protector kit, consumers who own a Probe VI manufactured prior to June 1985 should call Hedstrom's toll-free number 800-233-3371; in Pennsylvania, 800-242-9034 or write to Hedstrom Corporation, Department 100, PO Box 432, Bedford, Pennsylvania 15522-0432.
