Recall 13V636 affects 661 2009-2013 Altec Digger Derrick units for loose feeder-tube bracket fasteners. Altec service centers will repair it for free.
Altec is recalling 661 2009-2013 Digger Derrick units under recall 13V636 because fasteners on the feeder tube bracket can loosen and let the hydraulic feeder tube fall. A falling tube increases the risk of injury to people nearby, and the Altec dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The feeder tube on the 2009-2013 Altec Digger Derrick is the telescopic hydraulic tube that sends pump flow to the auger. That hydraulic flow lets the auger dig while the boom extends and retracts. A bracket and its fasteners hold the tube in place so it stays supported while the equipment moves.
On affected units, the fasteners that secure that bracket can loosen. Once the bracket loses its hold, the feeder tube is no longer properly supported and can fall from its mounted position. The recall identifies the bracket hardware as the failure point, not a separate electrical or control-system problem.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall does not identify a sound, warning light, or operating symptom that tells the crew the feeder tube bracket is about to let go.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2009-2013 Digger Derrick model years, all tied to the same Equipment component.
| 2011 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2009 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2012 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2010 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2013 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| Units affected | 661 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A falling feeder tube can injure people near the equipment. Keep bystanders clear and arrange recall service through Altec before normal work continues. Repair will be free at any franchised Altec dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2013 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 to confirm the owner notice and repair timing for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 13V636 and Altec recall CSN 591 when you call.
- Schedule the free feeder-tube-bracket and mounting-hardware repair that secures the hydraulic feeder tube so it does not fall.
- Keep people clear of the digger derrick boom area until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Altec identifies the repair as an upgraded feeder tube bracket and mounting hardware. At an Altec service center, an Altec technician installs the stronger bracket and hardware so the feeder tube is secured and less likely to loosen or fall. The final repair will be free once available for your VIN. Ask the service center to write campaign 13V636 and Altec recall number CSN 591 on the repair order so the work is tied to the correct recall.
Timeline
| December 18, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 19, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V636?
Recall 13V636 covers 661 2009-2013 Altec Digger Derrick units with feeder tube bracket fasteners that can loosen. If the feeder tube falls, people nearby face an injury risk. Altec service centers install an upgraded feeder tube bracket and mounting hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2013 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 13V636. If it is, contact an Altec service center and ask for the upgraded feeder tube bracket and mounting hardware. Reference Altec recall CSN 591 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recalled safety defects at no cost, and Altec's remedy states that Altec service centers install the upgraded feeder tube bracket and mounting hardware free of charge.
What is the safety risk with recall 13V636?
The safety risk is injury to people nearby if the feeder tube falls. The affected fasteners hold the bracket for the telescopic hydraulic feeder tube that supplies pump flow to the auger. Altec's free repair replaces the bracket setup with upgraded mounting hardware.
When did Altec start the recall repair?
Altec began the recall repair on February 19, 2014. Owners can contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 or work with an Altec service center to arrange the free bracket and mounting hardware upgrade for recall 13V636.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V636000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V636 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V636000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →