Recall 20V420 affects 141 1995-1998 Altec Aerial Device units because boom lift cylinder end glands can fail. Altec will inspect, repair, or replace them free.
Altec is recalling 141 1995-1998 Aerial Device units because the boom lift hydraulic cylinder end gland can fail and let the boom move without control. That movement can increase injury risk, and an Altec dealer will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The boom lift hydraulic cylinder on 1995-1998 Altec Aerial Device units raises, lowers, and holds the boom in position. Inside that cylinder, hydraulic pressure moves the boom, while the end gland closes the cylinder and helps keep the internal parts and fluid contained. The retaining ring holds that end gland in place under load.
On affected units, the cylinder design puts too much fatigue load on the head gland retaining ring. Over service life, that ring can lose its ability to hold the gland, and the end gland can separate. If that happens while the boom is in use, the boom can move without operator control. Repaired or replaced cylinders use a revised head gland design.
Operators are directed to inspect the cylinders as described in the operator's manual and maintenance manual. Early evidence of an end gland starting to separate is normally found during those inspections, before full failure.
Who's affected?
Spans the 1995-1998 Aerial Device model years under the same equipment component.
| 1997 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 1998 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 1995 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 1996 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| Units affected | 141 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Uncontrolled boom movement increases the risk of injury to the operator or people nearby. Use the inspection procedures in the operator and maintenance manuals, and follow Altec's restrictions if a cylinder shows end gland separation or the externally threaded head gland design. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1995-1998 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 or an authorized Altec service location to schedule the free boom lift cylinder inspection and repair that addresses uncontrolled boom movement.
- Ask Altec whether the unit is limited to restricted lower or upper boom articulation until the cylinder repair or replacement is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V420 when you call.
- Keep workers clear of the boom until Altec confirms the unit use limits and completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the boom lift cylinders for an externally threaded head gland design. If the affected cylinder design is present, Altec will tell the owner whether the unit can be used with restricted lower or upper boom movement until the cylinder is repaired or replaced. The inspection, repair, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you paid for a related cylinder repair before the recall work, contact Altec customer service with documentation for reimbursement review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 20, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 13, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V420?
Recall 20V420 covers 141 1995-1998 Altec Aerial Device units with a boom lift hydraulic cylinder end gland that can fail and cause uncontrolled boom movement. That movement can increase injury risk. Altec will instruct owners to inspect the cylinders and complete the repair or replacement free of charge.
What should I do if my 1995-1998 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 20V420. If it is, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference Altec recall MAB 770. Altec will tell you whether restricted boom use applies until the cylinder repair or replacement is complete.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec will inspect the boom lift cylinders and repair or replace the affected cylinder parts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is uncontrolled boom movement. If the boom lift hydraulic cylinder end gland fails, the boom can move without command and increase the risk of injury. Keep use within Altec's restricted articulation instructions until the repair or replacement is complete.
What if I bought the Altec Aerial Device used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the specific unit, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 1995-1998 Altec Aerial Device is included, then contact Altec customer service and reference recall 20V420.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V420000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V420 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V420000 |
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 →