Recall 11V387 affects 210 2009-2011 Altec WC126A and DC912A wood chippers for axle spindle fatigue that lets a wheel separate. Free repair at Altec dealers.
Altec is recalling 210 2009-2011 DC912A and WC126A wood chippers because fatigue failure can occur at the bearing grease hole on the axle spindle. If the spindle fails, the wheel can separate from the chipper and raise crash risk; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle spindle on these 2009-2011 Altec WC126A and DC912A wood chippers is the fixed shaft area that supports the wheel hub and bearing. The bearing lets the wheel turn smoothly while the spindle carries the load from the chipper as it moves down the road. A grease hole in the spindle gives lubricant a path to the bearing so the bearing does not run dry.
On affected chippers, fatigue failures occur at that bearing grease hole. Fatigue means repeated stress slowly weakens metal at a concentrated point. The hole is that stress point on the spindle, so cracking or failure begins there instead of across a stronger section of the axle assembly.
The source filing does not list a noise, vibration, warning light, or other owner-noticeable symptom before the spindle fails. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans the WC126A and DC912A across the 2009, 2010, and 2011 model years, with rear suspension listed for each.
| 2011 Altec WC126A | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2011 Altec DC912A | rear suspension |
| 2010 Altec WC126A | rear suspension |
| 2010 Altec DC912A | rear suspension |
| 2009 Altec DC912A | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 210 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A failing axle spindle can let a wheel separate from the chipper and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the axle replacement soon, and ask the dealer whether the chipper needs inspection before further road use. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2011 Altec WC126A or DC912A wood chipper is included in this recall.
- Wait for Altec repair instructions if your VIN is included, or call Altec customer service to confirm the repair path for your chipper.
- Contact a franchised Altec service location to ask about the free axle replacement that fixes the fatigue-prone axle spindle.
- Reference recall number 11V387 when you call, and bring the owner notice if Altec mailed one.
- Keep the chipper out of service until the axle repair is complete because axle spindle failure can let a wheel separate from the chipper.
What happens at the repair
Altec's source remedy says owner notification began on August 17, 2011, and dealers replace the axle assemblies at no charge. At the dealer, an Altec technician removes the affected axle assembly and installs replacement axles covered by the recall. If your 2009-2011 WC126A or DC912A chipper is included and the repair is still open, ask the dealer to confirm parts availability before moving the unit in for service. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by the recall.
Timeline
| August 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 17, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V387?
Recall 11V387 covers 210 2009-2011 Altec DC912A and WC126A wood chippers with axle spindle fatigue at the bearing grease hole. A spindle failure can let a wheel separate from the chipper and increase crash risk. Altec dealers will replace the axles for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2011 Altec WC126A or DC912A is on this recall?
Check your VIN or equipment identification to confirm your specific chipper is included in recall 11V387. If it is, contact an Altec dealer to schedule the axle replacement. Reference recall 11V387 when you call, and use Altec's recall line at 1-877-435-9258 if you need help.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Altec's remedy states that dealers will replace the axles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included DC912A and WC126A wood chippers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation from the chipper. The recall says fatigue failure at the axle spindle's bearing grease hole can cause the spindle to fail, allowing the wheel to separate and increasing crash risk. Confirm your unit and arrange the free axle replacement.
When did Altec start this recall repair?
Altec began the safety recall on August 17, 2011. Because that date has passed, owners of included DC912A and WC126A wood chippers should contact an Altec dealer or call 1-877-435-9258 to arrange the free axle replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V387000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-435-9258 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V387 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V387000 |
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 →