Recall 20V708 covers 13 2006-2020 Altec AH125 and AH150 aerial devices with incorrect counterbalance valves. Repair is free at an Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 13 2006-2020 AH125 and AH150 aerial devices because an incorrect counterbalance valve can be installed in the main lift cylinder. If a hose between the cylinder and external valve manifold fails to hold pressure, the boom can unexpectedly lower and increase injury risk; Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The counterbalance valve on 2006-2020 Altec AH125 and AH150 aerial devices is part of the main lift cylinder. That cylinder raises and holds the boom, and the valve helps hold hydraulic pressure so the boom stays controlled at different positions. The valve has to open only at the pressure setting specified for that cylinder.
On affected units, the wrong counterbalance valve was installed or supplied as a service part. Its relief setting is lower than the setting Altec specified for the main lift cylinder. At certain boom positions, cylinder pressure exceeds that lower setting and opens the valve when it should remain closed. That interferes with proper cylinder and unit performance.
There is no warning sign that the wrong valve is installed. Before a hose failure event, the hose is expected to fail the daily unit inspection criteria or show a leak, so daily inspection matters before the device is used.
Who's affected?
Covers AH125 and AH150 vehicles across the 2006-2020 model years, all tied to the same suspension component.
| 2018 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
|---|---|
| 2016 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2007 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2008 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2010 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2011 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2012 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2017 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2009 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2008 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2007 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2020 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2017 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2020 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2019 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2018 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2013 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2014 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2011 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2016 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2015 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2006 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2014 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2015 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2010 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2013 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2006 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2009 Altec AH150 | suspension component |
| 2019 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| 2012 Altec AH125 | suspension component |
| Units affected | 13 |
| 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?
A hose that fails to hold pressure can let the boom lower unexpectedly, increasing injury risk. Complete the daily unit inspection and treat any hose leak or failed inspection item as a reason to stop using the boom and call Altec. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2020 Altec AH125 or AH150 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free inspection and counterbalance-valve replacement that helps keep the boom from unexpectedly lowering after hose pressure loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V708 when you call.
- Avoid boom operation until the inspection is complete and Altec confirms the correct counterbalance valve is installed.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about scheduling or recall number 20V708.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician inspects the main lift cylinder counterbalance valve and installs the correct valve when the wrong part is present. The repair addresses the valve setting problem that lets pressure open the valve at certain boom positions. Parts and labor are free under recall 20V708. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair. Bring dated repair paperwork and receipts to Altec customer service or the service desk so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 11, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 14, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 14, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V708?
Recall 20V708 covers 13 2006-2020 Altec AH125 and AH150 aerial devices with an incorrect counterbalance valve in the main lift cylinder. At certain boom positions, pressure can open the valve. Altec dealers will install the correct valve if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2006-2020 Altec AH125 or AH150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific aerial device is included in recall 20V708. If it is, contact a franchised Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the counterbalance-valve inspection and repair. Reference recall 20V708 or Altec CSN 784 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec dealers will install the correct counterbalance valve if necessary, free of charge, for any included AH125 or AH150 aerial device.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unexpected boom lowering if a hose between the cylinder and the external counterbalance valve manifold fails to hold pressure. That movement increases the risk of injury. Keep operators and bystanders clear of the boom area, and schedule the free dealer repair once your VIN is confirmed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V708000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V708 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V708000 |
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 →