Recall 13V503 covers 682 2008-2010 Altec WC126, WC126A, WC166A, and WC166 wood chippers for axle-bracket cracks. Altec service personnel inspect and replace axles for free.
Altec is recalling 682 2008-2010 WC126, WC126A, WC166A, and WC166 wood chippers because the axle bracket can crack and break on certain frame and axle combinations. If the bracket breaks, the axle can separate from the chipper and increase crash risk; the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The rear non-powered axle assembly on the 2008-2010 Altec WC126, WC126A, WC166A, and WC166 wood chippers supports the trailer end of the chipper as it is towed. The axle does not drive the machine; it carries load, keeps the wheels aligned, and lets the chipper track behind the tow vehicle. A bracket connects that axle to the chipper frame and holds the axle in position.
On affected chippers, certain frame and axle combinations put stress on that bracket during normal towing and work use. Cracks can form in the bracket, then grow until the bracket breaks. Once that happens, the axle is no longer held to the frame as designed, and the chipper needs dealer repair before it is put back into service.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on noise, handling feel, or a visible change to tell you the bracket has started to crack.
Who's affected?
Spans WC126, WC126A, WC166A, and WC166 models across the 2008-2010 model years, all tied to the rear suspension.
| 2010 Altec WC126 | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2009 Altec WC126A | rear suspension |
| 2008 Altec WC126 | rear suspension |
| 2009 Altec WC126 | rear suspension |
| 2008 Altec WC166A | rear suspension |
| 2010 Altec WC166A | rear suspension |
| 2010 Altec WC126A | rear suspension |
| 2009 Altec WC166 | rear suspension |
| 2008 Altec WC166 | rear suspension |
| 2008 Altec WC126A | rear suspension |
| 2010 Altec WC166 | rear suspension |
| 2009 Altec WC166A | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 682 |
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 broken bracket can let the axle separate from the chipper, increasing crash risk. Confirm whether your 2008-2010 WC126, WC126A, WC166A, or WC166 is included before using or towing it for work. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2010 Altec WC126, WC126A, WC166A, or WC166 wood chipper is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to ask about inspection for recall number 13V503.
- Schedule Altec service personnel to inspect the axle bracket and replace the axle if cracks are found, free of charge.
- Bring the recall notice mailed on November 15, 2013, if you have it.
- Stop using the chipper if the axle bracket shows cracks or damage, then ask Altec how to move it for service.
What happens at the repair
Altec has identified the repair path: service personnel check the axle installation on affected WC126, WC126A, WC166A, and WC166 wood chippers and replace any axle that fails the check. The repair is free once available through Altec. The filing says the recall began on November 15, 2013, so contact Altec service with your VIN or unit details and reference campaign 13V503 before arranging work.
Timeline
| October 17, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 15, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V503?
Recall 13V503 covers 682 2008-2010 Altec WC126, WC126A, WC166A, and WC166 wood chippers with axle brackets that can crack and break. If the bracket breaks, the axle can separate from the chipper and increase crash risk. Altec service personnel will inspect and replace affected axles for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2010 Altec WC126, WC126A, WC166A, or WC166 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific wood chipper is included in recall 13V503. If it is, contact Altec service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference recall number 13V503 or Altec recall CSN 581. The inspection and any needed axle replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec will inspect the axle bracket area and replace any affected axle for free. The recall began on November 15, 2013.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is axle separation from the wood chipper. The recalled frame and axle bracket combinations can develop cracks and break. If that happens while the chipper is being towed, the separated axle increases the risk of a crash.
What if I bought this Altec wood chipper used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the equipment, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2008-2010 WC126, WC126A, WC166A, or WC166 is included, then contact Altec service with recall number 13V503.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V503000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V503 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V503000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →