Recall 18V617 affects 39 2018 Altec Digger Derrick, Crane, and Aerial Device vehicles for overtightened rotation-bearing fasteners. Repair is free through Altec customer service.
Altec is recalling 39 2018 Digger Derrick, Crane, and Aerial Device units because rotation platform fasteners were overtightened and can break. If the fasteners break, the pedestal or turntable can separate from the vehicle and increase injury risk; Altec will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rotation platform fasteners on 2018 Altec Digger Derrick, Crane, and Aerial Device equipment secure the rotating platform to the rotation bearing. That bearing lets the upper structure turn while the base stays planted. The fasteners have to be tightened to the right torque so the joint stays clamped without overstressing the bolts.
On these units, the fasteners were tightened with electric torque wrenches that applied more torque than the value shown on the tool. That extra torque overstressed the rotation bearing bolts during installation. A bolt that is already overstressed has less margin in service, and it can break instead of holding the rotation platform joint as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or operator would not be expected to notice a change before a rotation platform fastener breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers three Altec equipment types from the 2018 model year, all tied to the body or structural component.
| 2018 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2018 Altec Crane | body or structural component |
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 39 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Broken rotation bearing fasteners can let the pedestal or turntable separate from the vehicle, increasing injury risk for operators and people nearby. Schedule the fastener replacement soon and avoid using the equipment if the pedestal or turntable is not secure. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Altec Digger Derrick, Crane, or Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free rotation bearing fastener replacement that secures the pedestal and turntable to the vehicle.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V617 and Altec recall MAB 692 when you call.
- Keep the crane, digger derrick, or aerial device out of service until the fastener repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the rotation bearing fasteners on the affected rotation platform. The repair addresses fasteners that were overtightened during build and can break. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Altec also has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall notice. Ask Altec customer service or the service desk what documentation they need for a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 12, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 21, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 27, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 28, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V617?
Recall 18V617 covers 39 2018 Altec Digger Derrick, Crane, and Aerial Device units with rotation platform fasteners that were overtightened. If the fasteners break, the pedestal or turntable can separate from the vehicle, increasing injury risk. Altec replaces the rotation bearing fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Altec Digger Derrick, Crane, or Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 18V617. If it is, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference recall MAB 692. Altec replaces the affected rotation bearing fasteners for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec's remedy states that the rotation bearing fasteners are replaced free of charge. Keep the recall number, 18V617, and Altec recall number MAB 692 ready when you call.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V617?
The safety risk is separation of the pedestal or turntable from the vehicle if the rotation platform fasteners break. That separation increases injury risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free fastener replacement through Altec before continuing regular use.
When did Altec notify owners about recall 18V617?
Altec notified owners, and the recall began on September 21, 2018. If you bought the equipment used or never received a notice, the VIN still decides whether the free repair applies to your specific 2018 Altec unit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V617000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V617 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V617000 |
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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →