MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 11 (Nationwide Times) — More than 554,780 Kobalt yard tools sold at Lowe’s are being recalled because certain USB-C rechargeable batteries can short-circuit if they are charged while still inside the tool, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.
The recall, CPSC No. 26-611, covers Kobalt 24V and 48V yard power tools sold nationwide and on Lowes.com from January 2026 through May 2026. The products include string trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, power cleaners and bristle brush kits.
Why the recall was issued
The batteries involved are lithium-ion batteries with USB-C charging ports and capacities of 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah. “Ah” stands for amp-hours, a measure of battery capacity. The CPSC said charging those batteries through the USB-C port while they remain inserted in the yard tool can cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard.
Greenworks North America LLC, doing business as Greenworks Tools, of Mooresville, North Carolina, told the CPSC it had received 34 reports of batteries smoking, sparking or catching fire in that situation. No injuries or property damage had been reported in the recall notice.
The tools were manufactured in China and Vietnam.
What owners should do
Consumers should stop charging the recalled batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inside the tools. Greenworks Tools is offering a free replacement battery without a USB-C port, along with a charger adapter, updated product manual, warning label and a prepaid shipping label to return the recalled battery.
Where the products were sold
The recalled tools were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com. The CPSC said the products were imported by Greenworks North America LLC, doing business as Greenworks Tools.
For owners, the key point is simple: if a Kobalt yard tool uses one of the recalled USB-C rechargeable batteries, do not keep charging it in the tool. Follow the recall instructions to get the replacement parts.
