Recall 11V451 affects 35 2011 Altec Digger Derrick utility vehicles for faulty boom controller interlocks. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 35 2011 Digger Derrick service utility vehicles because the mechanical lockout on PQ single axis boom controllers does not operate properly. If the lockout fails, the control handle can be shifted accidentally, moving the unit and causing serious injury or death; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The boom controller on the 2011 Altec Digger Derrick is the operator control used to command boom movement. These vehicles were equipped with PQ single axis boom controllers, which move the boom along one control axis at a time. The mechanical interlock, also called the lock out, is supposed to block a control movement when that movement is not allowed.
On affected vehicles, that lock out is not operating as designed. A control that should be mechanically blocked can remain available to the operator, so the boom control system does not enforce the intended restriction. The recall points to the lock out function in the PQ controller, not to normal wear on the boom structure itself.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or crew member should not expect a dashboard light, noise, or visible damage to confirm the problem before the lock out fails to do its job.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 35 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A failed control interlock lets the control handle shift accidentally, moving the unit without the operator intending it. That movement can result in serious injury or death to someone near the equipment. Keep operators and bystanders clear, and arrange service promptly so the hand controllers can be replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 for current repair instructions before using the unit.
- Schedule the free hand-controller replacement with an Altec dealer once Altec confirms your VIN is included; the repair fixes the boom-controller interlock that can let the control handle shift.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 11V451 when you call.
- Avoid operating the boom controls until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Altec's remedy is a hand controller replacement. At the dealer, an Altec technician removes the affected PQ single axis boom hand controllers and installs replacement hand controllers so the boom control lockout works as intended. The recall remedy began on September 7, 2011, and Altec identifies the replacement as free of charge. If your vehicle has not had this recall completed, ask an Altec dealer to confirm the open recall by VIN and document the completed controller replacement on the repair order.
Timeline
| September 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 7, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V451?
Recall 11V451 covers 35 2011 Altec Digger Derrick service utility vehicles equipped with PQ single-axis boom controllers. The mechanical lock out for the controller can fail, allowing the control handle to shift accidentally and move the unit. Altec dealers replace the hand controllers for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V451. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the hand-controller replacement. Reference recall number 11V451 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Altec dealers replace the affected hand controllers free of charge under recall 11V451. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
If the control interlock does not work properly, the control handle can shift accidentally and move the unit. That movement raises the risk of serious injury or death. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free hand-controller replacement with Altec.
When did the repair become available?
Altec began the safety recall on September 7, 2011. For an included 2011 Altec Digger Derrick, contact an Altec dealer or Altec at 1-877-462-5832 and ask for the hand-controller replacement under recall 11V451.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V451000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V451 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V451000 |
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 →