Recall 16V710 affects 219 2014-2015 Altec Aerial Device units for improperly sized boom-tip covers. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 219 2014-2015 Aerial Device units because the fiberglass boom-tip cover has an improperly sized opening. That opening can let the exposed metal boom tip contact an energized overhead wire and raise injury risk for the boom operator; Altec dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The boom-tip fiberglass cover on 2014-2015 Altec Aerial Device equipment is there to shield conductive parts near the end of the boom. That cover helps keep steel and other conductive components separated from the work area when the aerial device is used near electrical lines.
On affected units, the opening in the upper boom stow latch cover was enlarged during production because the cover interfered during installation. That change solved the fit problem, but it also left steel exposed at the boom tip. Altec later changed the cover design with a smaller opening.
The filing does not describe a warning sign from the equipment before exposure. The hazard depends on unsafe work conditions: workers would have to violate OSHA minimum approach distances while also not using required insulating conductor cover up and personal protective equipment.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| Units affected | 219 |
| 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?
An improperly sized boom tip cover opening can leave the metal boom tip close enough to contact an energized overhead wire when crews work inside required approach distances without insulating conductor cover and personal protective equipment. That contact increases injury risk for the boom operator. Keep crews within required electrical-safety procedures and schedule the cover replacement. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free boom-tip-cover replacement that corrects the improperly sized opening over the boom tip.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 16V710 when you call.
- Keep the aerial device away from overhead wires until the boom tip cover has been inspected and replaced.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-205-991-7733 with questions about scheduling or the covered repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician checks the fiberglass boom tip cover and replaces the cover if the opening is the wrong size. The replacement is free under recall 16V710, with parts and labor covered. This repair is meant to put the boom tip cover back to the proper fit before the aerial device returns to service. Contact Altec customer service or your Altec dealer to arrange the recall work.
Timeline
| October 5, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 2, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 1, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V710?
Recall 16V710 covers 219 2014-2015 Altec Aerial Device units with fiberglass boom tip covers that have improperly sized openings. The defect can let the exposed metal boom tip contact an energized conductor, increasing injury risk for the boom operator. Altec dealers replace affected covers for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 16V710. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-205-991-7733 to arrange inspection and replacement of any boom tip cover with an improperly sized opening. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec will replace any boom tip cover with an improperly sized opening free of charge through its dealer service process.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is electrical contact at the boom tip. An improperly sized fiberglass cover opening can leave the metal boom tip exposed enough to touch an energized conductor, including an overhead wire. That increases injury risk for the boom operator. The fix is a free boom-tip-cover replacement when required.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V710000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-205-991-7733 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V710 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V710000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →