Recall 18V745 affects 175 2014-2018 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles for a Zone Rating System alert defect. Software update is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 175 2014-2018 Digger Derrick vehicles because the Zone Rating System can fail to alert the operator when a load exceeds the unit's rated capacity for its position. Without that warning, the unit has a greater risk of instability or loss of load control, and Altec will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Zone Rating System on 2014-2018 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles is software that helps the operator compare the load being handled with the unit's rated capacity for its current boom position. It is an operator aid, not the main capacity system. The operator still needs the unit's capacity information and safe operating procedures to decide whether a lift is within limits.
On affected Digger Derrick units, the software module had the wrong unit information stored inside it. Altec found that pre-programmed modules were re-programmed for use on other units, but the process did not overwrite all existing unit data. That left the Zone Rating System describing a different machine than the one it was installed on, so its load-limit alert did not match the physical unit.
The issue is not a noise, fluid leak, warning light, or drivability symptom. What the operator notices is a Zone Rating System that cannot be treated as the primary capacity check for the unit.
Who's affected?
This is one Digger Derrick model across 5 model years, with the same electrical system software component listed for each year.
| 2018 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2016 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system software |
| 2015 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system software |
| 2017 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system software |
| 2014 Altec Digger Derrick | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 175 |
| 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the Zone Rating System fails to alert, the operator has less warning about unit instability or loss of load control, increasing the risk of injury. The system is an aid, not the main way to confirm capacity limits, so operators should follow normal load-control checks until the software update is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2018 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free Zone Rating System software update for the load alert that warns the operator when the unit is over its rated position load.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V745 when you call.
- Keep operators within the unit's rated load limits until the software update is complete, and stop work if the Zone Rating System does not alert as expected.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician updates the Zone Rating System software so the unit can alert the operator when the handled load exceeds the rated load for that position. The software update and dealer labor are free under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related software or warning-system repair before the recall work. Keep documentation for any prior repair and contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to ask how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 22, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 12, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 12, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 12, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V745?
Recall 18V745 covers 175 2014-2018 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles with Zone Rating System software that fails to alert the operator when the handled load exceeds the rated load for the unit's position. Altec dealers update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2018 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Digger Derrick is included in recall 18V745. If it is, contact an Altec dealer to schedule the Zone Rating System software update. Reference recall 18V745 and Altec recall number CSN 700 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Altec's remedy says dealers will update the Zone Rating System software free of charge. Parts and labor for this recall repair are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unit instability or loss of load control. The recall involves a Zone Rating System alert failure when the handled load exceeds the rated load for the unit's specific position, which increases the risk of injury during operation.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V745000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V745 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V745000 |
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 →