Recall 20V501 affects 30 2018-2020 Altec EC505 and EC655 vehicles for loose grapple tines. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 30 2018-2020 EC505 and EC655 vehicles because the load holding grip on the grapple tines can loosen, causing loss of load control. That loss of control creates a risk of death or injury, and Altec dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The grapple tines on 2018-2020 Altec EC505 and EC655 units are the claw-like arms that hold material while the equipment lifts or moves it. The hydraulic system supplies pressure to those tines, and the load holding grip is supposed to keep the load controlled until the operator releases it.
On affected units, the grip that holds the grapple tines closed can loosen during operation. When that happens, the grapple no longer holds the load as intended, and the operator can lose load control. Altec's repair adds a counterbalance valve with a lower pressure ratio, which raises the opening threshold in the hydraulic system and helps the grapple stay closed under load.
The warning sign is looseness in the load holding grip while operating the unit. If the tines start to relax or the load feels less secure while the grapple is in use, treat that as the sign of this defect.
Who's affected?
Covers EC505 and EC655 equipment from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years, all under the same equipment component category.
| 2019 Altec EC505 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2019 Altec EC655 | Equipment |
| 2020 Altec EC505 | Equipment |
| 2018 Altec EC505 | Equipment |
| 2020 Altec EC655 | Equipment |
| 2018 Altec EC655 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 30 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
Loss of load control can increase the risk of death or injury. If the grapple tines feel loose or the load holding grip weakens during operation, stop the task, secure the load, and arrange service before using the unit again. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Altec EC505 or EC655 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free counterbalance-valve installation that raises the opening threshold for the grapple tine load-holding grip.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions and reference recall number 20V501.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 20V501 when you schedule service.
- Keep people clear of suspended loads and stop using the grapple if load control feels loose until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician installs a counterbalance valve with a lower pressure ratio so the grapple system has a higher opening threshold. That repair is meant to keep the grapple tines from loosening and losing load control. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Ask the service desk to confirm that campaign 20V501 is open for your vehicle before the work order is written.
Timeline
| August 25, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 15, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 22, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V501?
Recall 20V501 covers 30 2018-2020 Altec EC505 and EC655 vehicles with grapple tines whose load holding grip can loosen, causing loss of load control. Altec dealers will install a counterbalance valve with a lower pressure ratio to increase the opening threshold for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Altec EC505 or EC655 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V501. If it is, contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the counterbalance valve installation. Reference recall number 20V501 and Altec recall number CSN 773 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Altec will install the counterbalance valve free of charge at a franchised Altec dealer. Parts and labor are covered under recall 20V501.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of load control from loose grapple tines. That loss of control increases the risk of death or injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free counterbalance valve repair before using the equipment for lifting or load handling.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V501000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V501 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V501000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →