Recall 15V150 affects 120 2014 Altec Aerial Device vehicles for counterbalance valves that can crack and leak. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 120 2014 Aerial Device vehicles because a SUN Hydraulics counterbalance valve can crack and leak hydraulic fluid. Unintended boom movement increases the operator's risk of injury, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The counterbalance valve is a hydraulic holding valve in the boom cylinder circuit. It holds oil pressure so the boom stays where the operator put it, and it meters hydraulic flow as the cylinder moves. On the 2014 Altec Aerial Device, the affected valve came from SUN Hydraulics and is part of the system that keeps boom movement controlled.
On affected units, the valve body is at risk of cracking. Once the valve cracks, hydraulic fluid leaks from a circuit that is supposed to stay sealed under pressure. That pressure loss can allow boom movement when the boom should remain steady. Altec's remedy uses a replacement valve that looks the same, but comes from a different verified material lot than the suspect valves.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the crack starts leaking, an operator or service technician can see hydraulic fluid around the valve or cylinder area, or notice boom movement that does not match the control input.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Altec Aerial Device | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 120 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Unintended boom movement on the aerial device increases the operator's risk of injury. Until the counterbalance valves are replaced, use the aerial device cautiously, keep operators clear of unexpected movement hazards, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact an Altec dealer to schedule the free counterbalance-valve replacement that stops hydraulic leaks from causing unintended boom movement.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V150 when you call.
- Avoid operating the aerial device until the counterbalance-valve replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the SUN Hydraulics counterbalance valves covered by recall 15V150. The valve replacement and labor are free under the recall. The work addresses valves that can crack, leak hydraulic fluid, and allow boom movement. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same counterbalance valve repair before the recall. Contact Altec customer service with prior repair documentation and reference Altec recall CSN 614.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 16, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 27, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 12, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V150?
Recall 15V150 covers 120 2014 Altec Aerial Devices with certain SUN Hydraulics counterbalance valves. The valve can crack, leak hydraulic fluid, and cause unintended boom movement, increasing the operator's risk of injury. Altec dealers will replace the counterbalance valves for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial device is included in recall 15V150. If it is, contact an authorized Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the counterbalance valve replacement. Reference Altec recall CSN 614 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the safety defect at no cost, and Altec's remedy for recall 15V150 is a free counterbalance valve replacement through its dealer network.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended boom movement. In recall 15V150, a cracked counterbalance valve can leak hydraulic fluid and allow the aerial device boom to move without command, increasing the operator's risk of injury. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free valve replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V150000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V150 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V150000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →