Recall 11V297 affects 227 2008-2009 Altec DM45, DM50, and DM47 utility vehicles for cracked boom cylinder rod eye castings. Repair is free.
Altec is recalling 227 2008-2009 DM45, DM50, and DM47 digger derrick utility vehicles because cracks in the boom lift cylinder rod eye casting can cause the casting to fail. If that casting fails, the boom can suddenly fall and cause death or serious injury; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The boom lift cylinder on 2008-2009 Altec DM45, DM50, and DM47 digger derrick utility vehicles is the hydraulic actuator that raises and supports the boom. At the end of its rod is a cast eye, a rounded attachment point that connects the cylinder to the boom structure so hydraulic force can move through a pinned joint.
On these vehicles, the rod eye casting can have cracks. That casting is supposed to carry the force from the lift cylinder every time the boom is raised, lowered, or held in position. A crack weakens that attachment point. If the casting fails, the cylinder loses its solid connection to the boom and the lift system no longer supports the boom as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on noise, visible movement, or an indicator light to tell you the casting is about to fail.
Who's affected?
Covers three Altec DM models across the 2008 and 2009 model years, all listed under the same equipment component.
| 2009 Altec DM45 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2008 Altec DM45 | Equipment |
| 2009 Altec DM50 | Equipment |
| 2009 Altec DM47 | Equipment |
| 2008 Altec DM50 | Equipment |
| 2008 Altec DM47 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 227 |
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 failed lift cylinder rod eye casting can let the boom fall suddenly, causing death or serious injury. Keep people clear of the boom until the lift cylinder is inspected, and stop using the lift if cracks are found. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Altec DM45, DM50, or DM47 is included in this recall.
- Review the Altec owner letter mailed on May 31, 2011, for repair instructions tied to this vehicle.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference recall number 11V297 when you call.
- Ask Altec about the boom lift cylinder rod eye casting inspection; cracked cylinders are replaced free of charge.
- Keep the boom out of service until Altec confirms the inspection is complete or the cracked cylinder has been replaced.
What happens at the repair
Altec's remedy calls for an Altec technician to inspect the boom lift cylinder rod eye casting for cracks. If the inspection finds cracking, the affected lift cylinder is replaced. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 11V297. Ask the Altec service desk whether the inspection and any cylinder replacement are open for your vehicle before arranging service.
Timeline
| May 24, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 31, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V297?
Recall 11V297 covers 227 2008-2009 Altec DM45, DM50, and DM47 digger derrick utility vehicles with lift cylinder rod eye castings that can crack. If the casting fails, the boom can suddenly fall, causing death or serious injury. Altec will inspect the casting and replace cracked cylinders for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Altec DM45, DM50, or DM47 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific utility vehicle is included in recall 11V297. If it is, contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 or an Altec service location to arrange the lift cylinder rod eye casting inspection. Reference recall 11V297 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec's remedy states that cracked lift cylinders will be replaced free of charge. The inspection is part of the recall path for affected DM45, DM47, and DM50 vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden boom drop if the lift cylinder rod eye casting fails. NHTSA campaign 11V297 states that this failure can cause death or serious injury. If your VIN is included, arrange the free inspection before using the boom again.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V297000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V297 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V297000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →