Recall 18V693 affects 208 2017 Altec Aerial Device vehicles for an incorrectly installed hose sock. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 208 2017 Aerial Device units because the hydraulic line protective hose sock was incorrectly installed through the insulating section of the lower boom. The mistake can create electrical continuity through the boom and increase the risk of electrical shock; Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The lower boom on a 2017 Altec Aerial Device is part of the lift structure that positions the aerial platform. Its insulating section helps separate the boom from electrical current during utility work. Hydraulic lines run through the boom to move the lift, and a protective hose sock covers part of that hose bundle to help prevent abrasion.
On affected AT37, AT41, and AT48 units, that protective hose sock was installed through the insulating section of the lower boom. Dirt on the sock creates a path that interferes with the boom's electrical insulation. Altec found the issue after an AT37 failed an annual dielectric test, which checks whether the boom insulation still performs as intended.
The warning sign is a dielectric test failure. Operators are not told to watch for a visible hose problem or a change in boom movement before the issue is found.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 208 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Altec Aerial Device is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Electrical continuity through the lower boom can expose people using or contacting the aerial device to electrical shock. A dielectric test failure is the warning sign to keep the unit out of energized electrical work until service confirms the hose sock is removed from the insulated section. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free hydraulic hose-bundle inspection and hose-sock removal that addresses electrical continuity through the lower boom.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V693 when you call.
- Avoid work that depends on lower-boom insulation until the inspection and hose-sock removal are complete.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about recall 18V693.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the hydraulic hose bundle on the articulating arm and checks the insulated section of the lower boom. If a protective hose sock runs through that insulated section, the technician removes it so the hose sock is no longer installed where it interferes with the insulated area. The inspection, correction, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to reference Altec recall CSN 693 when scheduling the work.
Timeline
| October 4, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 28, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 28, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 29, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V693?
Recall 18V693 covers 208 2017 Altec Aerial Device units with a hydraulic line protective hose sock installed through the insulating section of the lower boom. That installation can create electrical continuity through the boom and increase electrical shock risk. Altec dealers inspect and remove the hose sock for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial device is included in recall 18V693. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the hydraulic hose bundle inspection. Reference recall 18V693 or Altec CSN 693 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec's remedy states that dealers will inspect the hydraulic hose bundle on the articulating arm and remove any hose sock in the insulated section free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is electrical shock. The incorrectly installed protective hose sock can create electrical continuity through the lower boom, which defeats the insulation path the aerial device relies on during work near electrical hazards. The dealer repair removes that hose sock from the insulated section.
When did the Altec recall repair begin?
The Altec recall repair began November 14, 2018. Because that date has passed, owners with an included VIN can contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service to arrange the inspection and hose sock removal under recall 18V693.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V693000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V693 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V693000 |
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 →