Recall 10V485 affects 578 2008-2009 Altec utility vehicles for cracked digger bail pins. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 578 2008-2009 Altec digger derrick utility vehicles because the digger bail pins were not properly heat treated and can crack during auger use. If the digger separates from the bail, the auger and digger assembly can swing from the hoses and strike a bystander; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The digger bail pins on 2008-2009 Altec digger derricks are the metal pivot pins that hold the digger to the digger bail. The bail supports the auger/digger assembly while the equipment drills, lifts, and moves under hydraulic power. Those pins have to carry load without cracking.
On affected Altec utility vehicles, the pins were not properly heat treated. Heat treatment is the controlled heating and cooling process that gives metal the needed strength. Without that strength, the pins can develop cracks during auger use. If a pin breaks, the digger can separate from the bail and the auger/digger assembly can swing freely from the hydraulic hoses.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator should treat cracking or looseness around the digger bail as a stop-work condition and have the equipment inspected before more auger use.
Who's affected?
Both model years are listed under the same equipment component.
| 2009 Altec Altec | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2008 Altec Altec | Equipment |
| Units affected | 578 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A swinging auger or digger can strike a bystander and cause serious injury or death. Keep people clear of the equipment during operation and arrange the recall repair before using it around others. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Altec vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm repair instructions for your VIN.
- Ask about the free digger bail pin replacement that fixes the cracked pins behind the swinging auger and digger risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have one. If not, reference recall number 10V485 when you call.
- Keep bystanders away from the auger and digger area until the pin replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the digger bail pins that can crack during auger use. The recall file describes the fix as pin replacement, with parts and labor covered. Call Altec or the service desk before bringing the vehicle in so they can confirm parts and repair availability for your VIN. Once available, the dealer repair is free under the recall.
Timeline
| October 7, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 29, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V485?
Recall 10V485 covers 578 2008-2009 Altec digger derricks with digger bail pins that were not properly heat treated. NHTSA campaign 10V485 states the pins can crack during auger use, letting the auger and digger assembly swing freely. Altec dealers replace the pins for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Altec Altec is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific utility vehicle is included in recall 10V485. If it is, contact a franchised Altec dealer or Altec at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the pin replacement. Reference recall number 10V485 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec dealers replace the affected digger bail pins free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a swinging auger or digger assembly. NHTSA campaign 10V485 states cracked digger bail pins can let the digger separate from the bail, allowing the assembly to swing from the hoses and strike a bystander, causing serious injury or death.
What if I bought this Altec utility vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2008-2009 Altec utility vehicle is included, then call a franchised Altec dealer or Altec at 1-877-462-5832 with recall number 10V485.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V485000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V485 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V485000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →