Recall 15V447 covers 481 2012-2015 Vermeer BC900XL brush chippers for discharge chutes that can detach while towed. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 481 2012-2015 BC900XL brush chippers because flanges that attach the discharge chute can crack and fail while the chipper is being towed. If the chute separates, it becomes a road hazard and increases crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Vermeer makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The discharge chute on a 2012-2015 Vermeer BC900XL brush chipper directs chipped material away from the machine after it leaves the cutter housing. The chute is bolted to the chipper through mounting flanges, which are the metal edges that hold the chute in place and keep it aligned during transport and operation.
In NHTSA campaign 15V447, those chute mounting flanges are the problem area. The flanges can crack around the chute attachment points. Once the cracks grow, the chute loosens. If the chipper is being towed on a public road, the chute can separate from the chipper instead of staying secured to the frame. Vermeer was still reviewing the final cause in the recall filing.
Owners can look for a loose chute or visible cracking around the chute mounting flange. Those are the warning signs listed for this recall, and they mean the chute attachment needs dealer attention before more towing.
Who's affected?
These BC900XL vehicles were built from January 30, 2012 to July 30, 2015, with the same mechanical equipment component listed for each model year.
| 2015 Vermeer BC900XL | Mechanical |
|---|---|
| 2014 Vermeer BC900XL | Mechanical |
| 2012 Vermeer BC900XL | Mechanical |
| 2013 Vermeer BC900XL | Mechanical |
| Units affected | 481 |
| 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?
A detached discharge chute becomes a road hazard and increases the risk of a crash. Check for a loose chute or cracking around the chute mounting flange, and schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Vermeer dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2015 Vermeer BC900XL is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to confirm repair timing for the free discharge-chute clamp relocation.
- Avoid towing the chipper until Vermeer confirms the discharge-chute clamps have been relocated so the chute stays attached.
- Bring the recall notice if Vermeer mailed one. Reference recall number 15V447 when you call.
- Call Vermeer customer service at 1-800-829-0051 with questions about recall IK3194.
What happens at the repair
Vermeer has identified the dealer repair: a Vermeer technician relocates the discharge chute rotation clamps and adds another clamp to the BC900XL brush chipper. The work addresses chute hardware that can separate while the chipper is being towed. The final dealer repair will be free once available. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so owners should not be charged for the clamp relocation or the added clamp.
Timeline
| July 15, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 9, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V447?
Recall 15V447 covers 481 2012-2015 Vermeer BC900XL brush chippers with discharge chute mounting flanges that can crack and fail while the chipper is being towed. If the chute separates, it becomes a road hazard and increases crash risk.
What should I do if my 2012-2015 Vermeer BC900XL is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chipper is included in recall 15V447. If it is, contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the discharge chute clamp relocation and added clamp. Reference Vermeer recall number IK3194 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Vermeer dealers will relocate the discharge chute rotation clamps and add an additional clamp free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a detached discharge chute while the BC900XL is being towed. A separated chute becomes a road hazard for other drivers and increases crash risk. Until the repair is complete, follow Vermeer dealer guidance before towing the chipper.
What if I bought my Vermeer BC900XL used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the chipper, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then give the Vermeer dealer recall number IK3194 and ask the service desk to confirm whether the clamp repair is still open for your unit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V447000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-800-829-0051 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V447 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V447000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →