Recall 11V226 affects 1,476 2009-2011 Ditch Witch T18S, T9SH, T9S, and T12SE trailers for tank-mount failure. Repair is free at any franchised Ditch Witch dealer.
Ditch Witch recall 11V226 covers 1,476 2009-2011 T18S, T9SH, T9S, and T12SE construction equipment trailers equipped with 500 gallon vacuum excavators because the tank mounting can break. A tank that falls during dumping or transport raises the risk of a crash, crushed workers, and injuries; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2009-2011 Ditch Witch T18S, T9SH, T9S, and T12SE trailers in NHTSA campaign 11V226 carry 500 gallon vacuum excavator tanks. The tank mounting is the structure that holds the tank to the trailer frame while the equipment is being towed, positioned, or dumped. That mount has to keep the loaded tank attached through vibration, movement, and dumping force.
On the recalled trailers, the tank mounting can break. When that happens, the tank can separate from the trailer during dumping or transport. The campaign text identifies the mounting as the failed area, not a separate pump, hose, or control part.
There is no warning sign before failure. A trailer that looks normal from the outside can still be included, so the model year and model name only narrow the concern. The VIN or equipment identification decides whether this recall applies.
Who's affected?
Covers four Ditch Witch trailer models across the 2009, 2010, and 2011 model years.
| 2009 Ditch Witch T18S | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2009 Ditch Witch T9SH | Equipment |
| 2011 Ditch Witch T9SH | Equipment |
| 2009 Ditch Witch T9S | Equipment |
| 2010 Ditch Witch T18S | Equipment |
| 2009 Ditch Witch T12SE | Equipment |
| 2011 Ditch Witch T12SE | Equipment |
| 2011 Ditch Witch T9S | Equipment |
| 2010 Ditch Witch T9SH | Equipment |
| 2010 Ditch Witch T9S | Equipment |
| 2011 Ditch Witch T18S | Equipment |
| 2010 Ditch Witch T12SE | Equipment |
| Units affected | 1,476 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
A spoils tank that falls from the trailer increases crash risk and creates a crush injury risk for bystanders or workers near the trailer. Keep people clear of the trailer and contact a Ditch Witch dealer for recall guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Ditch Witch dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2011 Ditch Witch T18S, T9SH, T9S, or T12SE trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ditch Witch dealer and ask about the free weight-redistribution kit that keeps the spoils tank mounted during dumping and transport.
- Reference recall number 11V226 when you call, and ask the dealer to order the correct kit for your trailer.
- Avoid dumping or transporting with a loaded spoils tank until the kit repair is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Ditch Witch sent one, or give the dealer your VIN and recall number 11V226.
What happens at the repair
The remedy calls for Ditch Witch repair kits that redistribute the spoils tank weight more evenly across the trailer. Once the dealer repair is available for your VIN, a Ditch Witch technician orders the correct kit for the trailer and installs it to address the tank mounting problem. The final dealer repair will be free once available, including covered parts and labor. If the trailer is needed for work before the repair opens, ask the dealer what handling or transport guidance applies to your unit.
Timeline
| April 12, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V226?
Recall 11V226 covers 1,476 2009-2011 Ditch Witch T18S, T9SH, T9S, and T12SE construction equipment trailers with 500 gallon vacuum excavators. The tank mounting can break and allow the tank to fall from the trailer during dumping or transport. Ditch Witch dealers will install weight redistribution kits for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2011 Ditch Witch T18S, T9SH, T9S, or T12SE is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included in recall 11V226. If it is, contact a franchised Ditch Witch dealer and ask for the tank mounting remedy kit. Reference recall number 11V226 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will order the appropriate kits free of charge. The kit redistributes the spoils tank weight more evenly across the trailer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a tank that falls from the trailer during dumping or transport. A falling tank increases crash risk and can crush bystanders or workers, increasing the risk of injuries. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Ditch Witch dealer repair before continued work use.
What if I bought this Ditch Witch trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the equipment, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2009-2011 Ditch Witch trailer is included, then call a franchised Ditch Witch dealer with recall number 11V226.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V226000 |
|---|---|
| Ditch Witch customer service | 1-800-654-6481 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V226 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V226000 |
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →