Recall 20V174 covers 60 2019-2020 Altec Digger Derrick aerial devices for unguarded pole guide controls. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 60 2019-2020 Digger Derrick aerial devices because an operator can inadvertently open the pole guide while doing other work. When the guide opens during those operations, the pole can become unbalanced and cause loss of load control, increasing the risk of injury or death; Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On 2019-2020 Altec Digger Derrick aerial devices, the pole guide is the set of guide tongs used to hold and steady a pole while the boom and derrick equipment move the load. The operator uses controls near the work station to open or close those guides. When the guides stay closed as intended, they help keep the pole under control during handling.
The problem is not the guide structure itself. The control lever for the pole guide sits where an operator can contact it while using other boom functions. Altec traced the issue to an incident where an operator's coat sleeve caught the lever and opened the pole guide tongs during operation. If that happens while a pole is being handled, the load can move out of control.
An operator can notice contact with the pole guide control or see the pole guides start to open. Releasing the control or engaging the emergency stop stops pole guide operation.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2019 and 2020 model years, with the same equipment component listed for both.
| 2020 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2019 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| Units affected | 60 |
| 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 pole guide opens during other operations, the pole can become unbalanced and the operator can lose control of the load, increasing the risk of injury or death. If the operator feels or sees contact with the control or pole guide movement, release the control or engage the E-stop, then schedule service. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free guard-kit installation over the pole guide controls, which addresses unintended pole-guide opening and loss of load control.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V174 when you call.
- Avoid pole-guide operations that risk load imbalance until the guard kit is installed.
What happens at the repair
At service, an Altec technician installs a guard kit over the pole guide controls so the controls are less exposed during other tasks. The kit, parts, and labor are free under recall 20V174. For out-of-pocket work paid before the recall notice, Altec's reimbursement plan is on file. Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and ask what documentation is needed for a reimbursement claim tied to this recall.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 23, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 5, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 12, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 13, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V174?
Recall 20V174 covers 60 2019-2020 Altec Digger Derrick aerial devices with pole guide controls that can be opened by mistake during other tasks. Altec will install a guard kit over the pole guide controls for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 20V174. If it is, contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 or an authorized Altec service location to schedule the pole guide control guard kit. Reference recall 20V174 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Altec will install the guard kit over the pole guide controls free of charge for included 2019-2020 Digger Derrick units.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of control of the load. If the pole guide opens while an operator is performing other tasks, the pole can become unbalanced, increasing the risk of injury or death. The repair adds a guard kit over the controls.
When did the Altec recall repair become available?
The recall repair began May 5, 2020. Because that date has passed, owners of included units can contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832 to arrange the free guard kit installation.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V174000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V174 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V174000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →