Recall 18V794 affects 1,275 2017-2018 Terex Digger Derrick vehicles for insufficient guide bar welds. Repair is free at any franchised Terex dealer.
Terex is recalling 1,275 2017-2018 Digger Derrick vehicles because insufficient welds on the guide bar can let a pole guide arm fall while the equipment is in use. If that arm falls, it can strike nearby personnel and increase injury risk; Terex dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The guide bar on 2017-2018 Terex Digger Derrick vehicles attaches the pole guide arms to the pole guide tilt bracket. That pole guide helps an operator control and plumb power poles while the equipment is in use. The bar has to hold the arm connection steady while the pole guide moves and carries load.
On recalled units, a supplier changed one part dimension without approval. That change also changed the weld joint and left less weld holding the stud in the guide bar. With a smaller weld, the joint can crack and lose strength. If it breaks during operation, the guide arm can fall while the equipment is in use.
There is a warning sign before failure. A crack develops before the part fails, and Terex says it is detectable during the daily inspection. Look closely at the guide bar and compare it with the recall bulletin pictures that identify bars needing replacement.
Who's affected?
Both model years involve the same body or structural component.
| 2018 Terex Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 Terex Digger Derrick | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 1,275 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A falling pole guide arm can strike nearby personnel and increase the risk of injury. A crack develops before failure and is detectable during the daily inspection, so take any crack seriously and keep people clear of the equipment until it is repaired. Repair is free at any franchised Terex dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Terex Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Terex dealer to schedule the free guide-bar replacement that fixes the insufficient weld connection for the pole guide arm.
- Give the dealer recall number 18V794 and Terex recall SN669 when you call.
- Keep personnel clear of the pole guide arm area during use until the guide-bar replacement is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Terex mailed one, or ask the dealer to look up the recall by VIN.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Terex technician replaces the affected guide bars that attach the pole guide arms to the pole guide tilt bracket. Parts and labor are free under recall 18V794. The repair addresses the insufficient weld condition described for the guide bars, so the arm hardware is replaced rather than adjusted. Terex lists a general reimbursement plan for this campaign, so ask Terex or the service desk what documentation the plan requires for a related guide bar repair you already paid for.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 26, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 14, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V794?
Recall 18V794 covers 1,275 2017-2018 Terex Digger Derrick vehicles with guide bars that connect the pole guide arms to the pole guide tilt bracket. Insufficient welds can let a guide arm fall while in use and strike nearby personnel. Terex dealers replace the affected guide bars free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Terex Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V794. If it is, contact a Terex dealer to schedule replacement of the affected guide bars. Reference recall number 18V794 and Terex recall number SN669 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Terex's remedy says dealers will replace the affected guide bars free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the covered safety defect at no cost to the owner, including parts and labor for the recall work.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury to nearby personnel while the equipment is in use. The guide bar has insufficient welds, and a falling pole guide arm can strike workers near the vehicle. Keep people clear of the pole guide area until a dealer completes the free guide bar replacement.
What if I bought this Terex Digger Derrick used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017-2018 Terex Digger Derrick is included, then contact a Terex dealer and reference recall number 18V794 and Terex recall number SN669.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V794000 |
|---|---|
| Terex customer service | 1-605-882-4000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V794 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V794000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- 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 →