Recall 20V765 affects 4,987 2018-2020 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick vehicles for hydraulic check-valve snap-ring failure. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 4,987 2018-2020 Aerial Device and Digger Derrick vehicles equipped with a DC pump because a hydraulic check valve snap ring can fail and lodge in a counterbalance or control valve. That failure can allow unintended boom movement, creating an injury or property-damage risk, and Altec will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The check valve on these 2018-2020 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick vehicles is part of the hydraulic system that controls equipment movement. Hydraulic oil moves under pressure to raise, lower, hold, and position the aerial device or derrick. The check valve helps direct that oil and keeps pressure from moving the equipment when it should stay put.
On affected vehicles, a snap ring inside a purchased hydraulic check valve can fail. That broken ring can move through the hydraulic system as debris and lodge in a counterbalance valve or control valve. When that happens, the valve can be held open, and the boom, derrick, or related hydraulic function can keep moving after the operator expects it to stop.
Operators can look for this during the daily preoperational inspection. The warning sign is continued motion or equipment movement that does not stop as commanded.
Who's affected?
Covers both Aerial Device and Digger Derrick equipment across the 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years; all list the same check valve part, 970043210.
| 2019 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2019 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2020 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 2018 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
| 2020 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2018 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| Units affected | 4,987 |
| 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?
Unintended boom movement can injure people or damage property. Daily preoperational inspection can reveal contamination, and continued movement should be evident to the operator. If you notice unexpected boom motion, stop using the equipment and contact an Altec dealer for the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Altec Aerial Device or Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free hydraulic check valve snap-ring replacement that addresses unintended boom movement.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V765 when you call.
- Avoid operating the boom until the repair is complete, and keep people clear of the work area if the vehicle has to be repositioned.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions and reference Altec recall CSN 787.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the snap ring in the hydraulic check valve tied to the DC pump. This is the part that can fail and lodge in a counterbalance or control valve, leaving the equipment able to keep moving after the operator expects it to stop. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this snap ring or valve repair. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to Altec customer service or the service desk so the claim can be reviewed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 10, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 10, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 10, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V765?
Recall 20V765 covers 4,987 2018-2020 Altec Aerial Device and Digger Derrick vehicles equipped with a DC pump. A hydraulic check valve snap ring can fail and lodge in a counterbalance or control valve, allowing continued boom movement. Altec dealers will replace the snap ring for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Altec Aerial Device or Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V765. If it is, contact an Altec dealer or Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the snap ring replacement. Reference recall 20V765 and Altec CSN 787 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Altec's remedy states that dealers will replace the valve's snap ring free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 20V765.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended boom movement. If the snap ring fails and becomes lodged in a counterbalance or control valve, the boom can keep moving after the operator expects it to stop. That creates an injury risk and property damage risk until the recall repair is complete.
When did Altec begin the recall repair?
Altec began the recall repair on February 9, 2021. Because that date has passed, owners with an included 2018-2020 Altec Aerial Device or Digger Derrick can contact an Altec dealer now to schedule the free snap ring replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V765000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V765 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V765000 |
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 →