"Stair Climber" Exercise Device Repair by Precor

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff is issuing a warning about an exercise device known as the Low Impact Climber manufactured by Precor, Inc., of Bothell, Washington because of a possible amputation hazard to children's fingers.

As estimated 40,000 climbers were sold between November, 1987 and May, 1989 by sporting goods, physical fitness specialty stores and mail order companies nationwide. Precor model numbers 718E and 714 are involved. These low impact climbers are largely black and white in color. The model number is printed in red on the center-supporting shaft. They are mechanical devices intended to simulate stair climbing exercises and improve leg strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. The approximate retail price for model 714 is $399.00 and, for model 718E, $459.00. The climbers use digital readouts to apprise the user of his speed, elapsed time and total steps.

CPSC said the red pulley cord and black roller in the center section of the device creates a pinch point and has no finger guard. Precor and CPSC are aware of three incidents of finger amputation or laceration when a child placed a finger between the pulley and the roller during use.

CPSC urges all owners of this simulated stair climbing device to contact Precor immediately and obtain free a finger guard repair kit. Consumers may contact their nearest Precor dealer or call toll-free 1-800-662-0606.

AMPUTATION RISK PROMPTS REPAIR OF PRECOR "STAIR CLIMBER" EXERCISE DEVICE