Recall 15V720 covers 730 2012-2015 Mcneilus front-loader refuse trucks for a hydraulic tube fire risk. Free Mcneilus dealer repair is available.
Mcneilus is recalling 730 2012-2015 Atlantic Front Loader, Pacific Front Loader, Contender Front Loader, and Ultra Front Loader refuse trucks because an optional hydraulic test port tube can crack or break. If hydraulic fluid contacts hot exhaust or turbo components, the risk of fire increases, and Mcneilus dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic test port tube on affected 2012-2015 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader, Pacific Front Loader, Contender Front Loader, and Ultra Front Loader refuse trucks is an optional hydraulic line used for service checks. Technicians use it to read hydraulic system pressure and take fluid samples, while the truck's hydraulic system powers refuse body functions. The tube is not needed for daily machine operation.
On these trucks, the tube was not clamped firmly enough to the refuse body. Normal operation can make the tube vibrate until a fatigue crack forms at the ferrule, the fitting area where the tube connects. If the tube fails at the flare, it can break loose from the valve and spray hydraulic fluid onto hot exhaust, turbo, or engine parts, creating a fire hazard.
Before the repair, owners can inspect the tube each day for hydraulic fluid weeping. Wetness or seepage around the tube is the warning sign that a fatigue crack has started.
Who's affected?
Included configurations span Atlantic Front Loader, Pacific Front Loader, Contender Front Loader, and Ultra Front Loader models across 2012-2015, with engine and equipment components listed for each.
| 2015 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2012 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Engine |
| 2012 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2014 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Engine |
| 2014 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2014 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Engine |
| 2014 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2015 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Engine |
| 2015 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2012 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Engine |
| 2012 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2014 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Engine |
| 2014 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2015 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Engine |
| 2015 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2013 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Engine |
| 2013 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2014 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Engine |
| 2014 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2013 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Engine |
| 2013 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2012 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Engine |
| 2012 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2015 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Engine |
| 2015 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2012 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Engine |
| 2012 Mcneilus Ultra Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2013 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Engine |
| 2013 Mcneilus Pacific Front Loader | Equipment |
| 2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Engine |
| 2013 Mcneilus Contender Front Loader | Equipment |
| Units affected | 730 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Hydraulic fluid spraying from a ruptured tube onto hot exhaust and turbo components increases the risk of a fire. Inspect the tube before use and watch for hydraulic fluid weeping, a sign that a fatigue crack has started. If you see fluid, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mcneilus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2015 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader, Pacific Front Loader, Contender Front Loader, or Ultra Front Loader is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mcneilus dealer to schedule the free hydraulic test port tube removal and cap service that keeps leaking hydraulic fluid away from hot exhaust and turbo components.
- Bring the recall notice if Mcneilus mailed one. Reference recall number 15V720 and Mcneilus recall VSR-TSB-014 when you call.
- Keep the truck away from service if hydraulic fluid is visible near hot exhaust or turbo components until the repair is complete.
- Call Mcneilus customer service at 1-888-686-7278 with questions about scheduling or repair status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mcneilus technician removes the optional hydraulic test port tube and caps the hydraulic test inlet port so the tube is no longer exposed to cracking or breaking. The recall repair is free. Mcneilus also says the procedure can be performed by the owner's service technicians at no cost to the customer. If that happens, keep the repair order and labor documentation. The owner can file a warranty claim with Mcneilus for labor reimbursement under this campaign.
| Estimated time at dealer | 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
Timeline
| November 2, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 16, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V720?
Recall 15V720 covers 730 2012-2015 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader, Pacific Front Loader, Contender Front Loader, and Ultra Front Loader refuse trucks. The optional hydraulic test port tube can crack or break, letting hydraulic fluid contact hot exhaust and turbo components and raising fire risk.
What should I do if my 2012-2015 Mcneilus Atlantic Front Loader, Pacific Front Loader, Contender Front Loader, or Ultra Front Loader is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V720. If it is, contact a franchised Mcneilus dealer to schedule removal of the optional hydraulic test port tube and capping of the hydraulic test inlet port. Reference recall number 15V720 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mcneilus dealers will remove the optional hydraulic test port tube and cap the hydraulic test inlet port free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the optional hydraulic test port tube cracks or breaks, hydraulic fluid can reach hot exhaust and turbo components. Mcneilus fixes the hazard by removing the tube and capping the hydraulic test inlet port for free.
What if I bought this Mcneilus front loader used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then call a franchised Mcneilus dealer and reference recall number 15V720.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V720000 |
|---|---|
| Mcneilus customer service | 1-888-686-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V720 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V720000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →