Recall 12V383 covers 227 2008-2011 Altec DC1317, DC1217, and DC1317HP wood chippers for frame cracks. Repair is free through Altec dealers.
Altec is recalling 227 2008-2011 DC1317, DC1217, and DC1317HP wood chippers because cracks can develop in the frame. A cracked frame increases the risk of personal injury or property damage, and the dealer repair will be free once Altec makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The frame on 2008-2011 Altec DC1317, DC1217, and DC1317HP wood chippers is the main structure that holds the chipper body, feed system, engine, and towable running gear in alignment. It carries the vibration and twisting loads that occur while the chipper is pulled, parked, and used at a job site. That structure needs to stay rigid so the chipper remains stable and its mounted parts stay in the right position.
On affected Altec chippers, cracks can develop in the frame. The recall summary does not name a specific cause, but the failure is in the structure itself, not a trim part or routine wear item. Once the frame starts cracking, the damage can spread under vibration and load, leaving the chipper less able to support the equipment attached to it.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners and crews should not rely on a sound, light, or operating change to tell them the frame has started to fail.
Who's affected?
The scope spans DC1217, DC1317, and DC1317HP models across the 2008-2011 model years, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2009 Altec DC1317 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2008 Altec DC1317 | body or structural component |
| 2009 Altec DC1217 | body or structural component |
| 2010 Altec DC1317HP | body or structural component |
| 2009 Altec DC1317HP | body or structural component |
| 2011 Altec DC1317HP | body or structural component |
| 2008 Altec DC1317HP | body or structural component |
| 2008 Altec DC1217 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 227 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Frame cracks increase the risk of personal injury or property damage. Inspect the unit before use and take new cracks or frame damage seriously. Schedule the recall work with an Altec dealer so reinforcement kits can be installed on affected units. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2011 Altec DC1317, DC1217, or DC1317HP wood chipper is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec Environmental Products at 1-877-462-5832 for the current repair instructions before using the chipper.
- Schedule the free frame reinforcement kit that addresses cracks in the wood chipper frame.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V383 when you call.
- Stop using the chipper if you see frame cracks, and ask Altec how to move it safely for repair.
What happens at the repair
Once Altec confirms the dealer remedy is open, an Altec technician will install frame reinforcement kits on affected wood chippers. The kit reinforces the frame area where cracks can develop. The dealer repair will be free once available. Ask the service desk to confirm that your VIN or unit identifier is included before arranging transport, and ask whether the chipper needs inspection before use.
Timeline
| August 3, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 24, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V383?
Recall 12V383 covers 227 2008-2011 Altec DC1317, DC1217, and DC1317HP wood chippers with frame cracks that increase the risk of personal injury or property damage. Altec dealers will install frame reinforcement kits on affected units.
What should I do if my 2008-2011 Altec DC1317, DC1217, or DC1317HP is on this recall?
Check your VIN or unit identifier to confirm your specific wood chipper is included in recall 12V383. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec at 1-877-462-5832 and ask for the frame reinforcement kit repair. Reference recall number 12V383 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec dealers will install the frame reinforcement kits on affected units. Parts and labor are covered for units included in recall 12V383.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is frame cracking on the affected wood chippers. If cracks develop in the frame, the chipper has an increased risk of personal injury or property damage. Confirm whether your unit is included, then arrange the dealer reinforcement repair.
When did the Altec wood chipper recall repair begin?
The safety recall began on August 24, 2012. Altec notified owners and instructed dealers to install frame reinforcement kits on affected DC1317, DC1217, and DC1317HP wood chippers.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V383000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V383 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V383000 |
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 →