Recall 10V590 affects 2,201 2004-2010 Heil Durapack Python and Multipack refuse trucks for unintended lift-arm movement. Free retrofit at any Heil dealer.
Heil is recalling 2,201 2004-2010 Durapack Python and Multipack refuse collection vehicles because carbon can build up on relays inside the programmable logic control for the Python lift. The defect can make the arm lift or grab without operator input, which raises the risk of a crash or injuries outside the vehicle; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The programmable logic controller, or PLC, on the 2004-2010 Heil Durapack Python and Multipack refuse collection trucks is the electronic control box for the automated side loader. It sends commands that close the grabber around a container and raise the Python lift, so the truck can empty refuse containers without a worker lifting them by hand.
On affected trucks, carbon can build up on internal relays inside the PLC. That buildup can create an unintended electrical bridge inside the relay. Vibration then completes a circuit that was not meant to close, and the controller can activate the grabber close or lift function without the intended command.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign for an operator can be unexpected movement of the grabber or lift. Treat any uncommanded movement as a control-system fault and keep people clear of the side-loader mechanism until Heil service inspects it.
Who's affected?
Spans the Durapack Python and Multipack body lines from 2004 through 2010, with the same body-structure component listed for each model year.
| 2010 Heil Durapack Python | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2006 Heil Multipack | body structure |
| 2009 Heil Multipack | body structure |
| 2010 Heil Multipack | body structure |
| 2005 Heil Durapack Python | body structure |
| 2007 Heil Durapack Python | body structure |
| 2004 Heil Multipack | body structure |
| 2008 Heil Durapack Python | body structure |
| 2009 Heil Durapack Python | body structure |
| 2006 Heil Durapack Python | body structure |
| 2004 Heil Durapack Python | body structure |
| 2008 Heil Multipack | body structure |
| 2007 Heil Multipack | body structure |
| 2005 Heil Multipack | body structure |
| Units affected | 2,201 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unintended arm movement can lift or grab without operator input. That creates a crash risk and can injure people outside the vehicle. Keep people clear of the arm area and arrange the recall repair through a Heil dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Heil dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2010 Heil Durapack Python or Multipack is included in this recall.
- Contact Heil customer support at 1-866-275-4345 for the current repair status and dealer instructions.
- Reference recall number 10V590 when you call or speak with a Heil dealer.
- Avoid operating the automated side loader until Heil confirms the retrofit-kit repair that stops unintended arm lift or grab movement.
- Bring the recall notice and any service records if Heil directs you to a dealer for the free retrofit-kit repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Heil technician installs a retrofit kit to repair the Durapack Python and Multipack refuse collection vehicles covered by this recall. The kit addresses the PLC relay issue behind the unintended grabber close and lift activation described in the filing. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the retrofit kit is ready before arranging service.
Timeline
| November 22, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 4, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V590?
Recall 10V590 covers 2,201 2004-2010 Heil Durapack Python and Multipack refuse vehicles with Python lift controls. Carbon buildup inside the programmable logic control relays can complete a circuit during vibration, letting the arm lift or grab without operator input. Heil dealers install a retrofit kit for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2010 Heil Durapack Python or Multipack is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific refuse vehicle is included in recall 10V590. If it is, contact a Heil dealer or Heil customer support at 1-866-275-4345 and ask for the PLC retrofit kit repair. Reference recall number 10V590 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Heil dealers install the retrofit kit free of charge under recall 10V590. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost to the owner, and Heil's remedy states that dealers repair the affected vehicles free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended arm movement. If carbon buildup completes a circuit inside the PLC during vibration, the lift arm can lift or grab without operator input, increasing crash risk or injury risk for people outside the vehicle. Keep operators and bystanders clear until the retrofit repair is complete.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V590000 |
|---|---|
| Heil customer service | 1-866-275-4345 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V590 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V590000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →