Recall 12V041 covers 18 2008-2011 Altec AC38, AC23, and AC18 utility vehicles with an incorrectly installed ATB switch bracket. Inspect and correct the bracket.
Altec is recalling 18 2008-2011 AC38, AC23, and AC18 utility vehicles equipped with the anti-two block switch tree guard option. An incorrectly installed bracket can let the ATB switch, cover, and weight fall when the boom is raised near maximum elevation, increasing the risk of injury or property damage below; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The anti-two block switch is part of the boom equipment on 2008-2011 Altec AC38, AC23, and AC18 utility vehicles. It helps stop the boom or lifting system before the hook block or attachment is pulled tight into the boom tip. The tree guard option adds a guard around that switch so branches do not strike or damage it during utility work.
On affected vehicles, the bracket for the ATB tree guard switch was installed incorrectly. When that bracket sits in the wrong position, the guard and switch do not stay aligned as designed. That defeats part of the protection the ATB system is supposed to provide while the boom is being used around trees or overhead work areas.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator is not told to expect a light, sound, or change in boom operation before the incorrectly installed bracket becomes a problem.
Who's affected?
Covers AC38 vehicles across the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 model years, plus AC23 and AC18 vehicles from 2011.
| 2008 Altec AC38 | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| 2011 Altec AC23 | Mechanical |
| 2011 Altec AC18 | Mechanical |
| 2009 Altec AC38 | Mechanical |
| 2010 Altec AC38 | Mechanical |
| 2011 Altec AC38 | Mechanical |
| Units affected | 18 |
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?
When the boom is raised near maximum elevation, an incorrectly installed tree guard switch bracket can let the ATB switch, cover, and weight come loose and fall. That raises the injury risk for people below and can damage property. Keep people clear of the boom path and schedule inspection and correction. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2011 Altec AC38, AC23, or AC18 is included in this recall.
- Check for the Altec owner notice mailed February 21, 2012, before operating the unit near maximum boom elevation.
- Contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm the ATB tree guard switch bracket inspection and correction path.
- Reference recall number 12V041 when you call, and ask how to correct an incorrect bracket installation.
- Keep people and property clear below the boom until the ATB switch, cover, and weight are secured by the completed inspection and correction.
What happens at the repair
Altec's remedy identifies the tree guard switch bracket installation as the repair focus. The final dealer repair will be free once available. At that visit, an Altec technician checks the anti two block switch tree guard bracket and corrects the installation if it was installed incorrectly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The repair path is bracket inspection first, followed by correction of any incorrect installation found on the unit.
Timeline
| February 3, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 21, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V041?
Recall 12V041 covers 18 2008-2011 Altec AC38, AC23, and AC18 utility vehicles with the anti-two-block tree guard switch option. The switch bracket can be installed incorrectly, allowing the switch, cover, and weight to fall when the boom is raised near maximum elevation.
What should I do if my 2008-2011 Altec AC38, AC23, or AC18 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 12V041. If it is, contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 and ask about inspection of the tree guard switch bracket and correction of any incorrect installation.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to correct safety defects at no cost. Altec's remedy instructs owners to inspect the tree guard switch bracket and correct any incorrect installation, and the safety recall began on February 21, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is falling equipment from the boom assembly. If the tree guard switch bracket was installed incorrectly, the anti-two-block switch, cover, and weight can be dislodged when the boom is raised near maximum elevation, increasing injury risk to people or property below.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V041000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V041 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V041000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →