Recall 18V706 affects 1,592 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick units for platform steps that separate. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 1,592 2017-2018 Aerial Device and Digger Derrick units because the outside step on a fiberglass platform can break off during normal use. If the step separates, it increases the risk of injury; Altec dealers will repair the platform step free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fiberglass platform on 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick units is the work basket or platform area where an operator stands while the equipment is raised. The outside step is a molded step attached to that platform, giving the operator a fixed foothold when climbing into, out of, or around the platform during normal work.
On affected units, the outside step was glued on by the platform manufacturer. The problem is at that attachment point: the step can separate from the fiberglass platform during normal use. Altec traced the issue to units built with fiberglass platforms with steps and has received 17 reports of step adhesive failures.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat any loose, cracked, shifted, or missing platform step as a reason to stop using that platform position until Altec service guidance is followed.
Who's affected?
Covers both Aerial Device and Digger Derrick equipment across the 2017 and 2018 model years, all tied to the body or structural component.
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 Altec Aerial Device | body or structural component |
| 2017 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| 2018 Altec Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 1,592 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 17 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?
A platform step that separates from the platform can injure someone using the equipment. Treat any loose, separated, or unstable step as a reason to keep people off that platform and contact the dealer for inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device or Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free platform-step inspection, platform replacement if needed, and reinforcing kit that fixes the step that can break off during normal use.
- Avoid using the outside platform step until the repair is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one, or reference recall number 18V706 when you call.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the fiberglass platform step on the affected aerial device or digger derrick. If the outside step has separated from the platform, the technician replaces the platform, then installs a platform step reinforcing kit. The inspection, replacement when needed, reinforcing kit, and labor are free under the recall. Altec identifies this service as CSN 695, so use that number when scheduling with the service desk.
Timeline
| October 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 4, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 6, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V706?
Recall 18V706 covers 1,592 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick units with fiberglass platforms. The exterior platform step can break off during normal use, increasing injury risk. Altec dealers will inspect the step, replace the platform if needed, and add a reinforcing kit for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Altec Aerial Device or Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 18V706. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the inspection and platform step reinforcing kit. Reference recall number 18V706 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. Altec will inspect the fiberglass platform step, replace the platform if the step has separated, and install the platform step reinforcing kit free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from the exterior step separating from the fiberglass platform during normal use. If your unit is included, arrange the free inspection and repair before relying on that platform step for work access.
When did Altec start the recall repair?
Altec began the recall repair on December 3, 2018. The remedy is available, so included owners can contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to arrange the inspection and step reinforcing kit.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V706000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V706 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V706000 |
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 →