Recall 18V255 covers 12 1992-2006 Altec Digger Derrick trucks for boom pivot pins that can fail. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 12 1992-2006 Digger Derrick trucks because a specific boom pivot pin can fail and let the boom move unexpectedly. Unexpected boom movement increases the risk of injury or death, and Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The boom pivot pin on a 1992-2006 Altec Digger Derrick is the heavy steel pin that holds the derrick boom to the turntable. It lets the boom pivot while keeping the boom secured to the rotating base as the truck lifts, digs, and positions equipment. That joint carries the load each time the boom is moved.
On affected trucks, the concern is the weld between the pin lug and the pin. A poor weld joint can let the pin retention system fail, which can allow the pivot pin to separate from the turntable connection. If that happens, the boom can partially separate from the turntable and move unexpectedly. Altec later redesigned the pin with better lug-to-pin weld penetration, and 12 older-style pins were sold as replacement parts because of an administrative error.
The warning path is inspection, not a dashboard light or sound. Check the boom pivot pin during the preoperational inspection and periodic maintenance inspections, and take any loose, damaged, or suspect retention hardware out of service.
Who's affected?
Spans the 1992 through 2006 model years, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 1996 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 1998 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 1993 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 1994 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 1995 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2004 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2003 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2002 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 1992 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2006 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2005 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2001 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2000 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 1999 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 1997 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 12 |
| 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?
Unexpected boom movement can increase the risk of injury or death for operators or people working nearby. Inspect the boom pivot pin during preoperational and maintenance checks, and keep people clear of the boom if the pin shows a defect. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1992-2006 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free pivot-pin inspection and replacement that fixes defective pins linked to unexpected boom movement.
- Reference recall number 18V255 when you call or when you bring the truck in for service.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, ask the service desk to look up the recall by VIN and campaign number.
- Avoid using the boom until Altec completes the inspection and any needed pivot-pin replacement.
What happens at the repair
At the service appointment, an Altec technician inspects the Digger Derrick truck for defective boom pivot pins and replaces any defective pivot pins found. The inspection and replacement are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for the same pivot pin repair before the recall work, Altec's reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Keep the repair order and payment paperwork, then contact Altec customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 20, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 22, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 5, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 5, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 5, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V255?
Recall 18V255 covers 12 1992-2006 Altec Digger Derrick trucks with a specific boom pivot pin that can fail and let the boom move unexpectedly. Unexpected boom movement increases the risk of injury or death. Altec will inspect for defective pivot pins and replace any affected pins for free.
What should I do if my 1992-2006 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V255. If it is, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 for inspection instructions and pivot-pin replacement. Reference recall number 18V255 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy to be completed at no cost, and Altec says it will inspect affected vehicles for defective pivot pins and replace any that are found free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected boom movement. Altec reported that a specific boom pivot pin can fail, which can let the boom move unexpectedly and increase the risk of injury or death. Ask Altec whether the truck should stay out of service until the inspection is complete.
What if I bought the Altec Digger Derrick used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or purchase history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 1992-2006 Altec Digger Derrick is included, then call Altec at 1-877-462-5832 with recall number 18V255.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V255000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V255 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V255000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →