2005-2021 Altec Aerial Device Recall 21V409: Boom Shift

Recall 21V409 covers 1,977 2005-2021 Altec Aerial Device vehicles for unintended boom movement. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.

What's wrong?

The 2005-2021 Altec Aerial Device uses hydraulic valves and return lines to control boom movement. The joystick sends pilot pressure to spools inside the control valve, and those spools direct hydraulic oil so the lower and upper booms raise, lower, or hold position. The overcenter blocking valve is part of that control circuit and helps manage oil flow around the boom controls.

In extreme cold, the hydraulic oil is very cold and tank pressure at the boom tip rises. That pressure can feed back into the overcenter blocking valve instead of draining normally through the tank return line. Pressure then builds in the lower boom lower and upper boom raise pilot lines, leaving the spools shifted after the operator releases the joystick or control interlock. The boom can move when the operator expects it to stop.

Before the unintended movement, an operator or ground worker can hear a rattling sound from the ground or from the platform. A normal pre-use inspection does not show this condition before pressure builds in the pilot lines.

Who's affected?

The same tank return line hose assembly appears under both Equipment and Equipment adaptive/mobility classifications across the 2005-2021 scope.

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 movement of the lower and upper booms increases injury risk. A rattling sound from the ground or platform is a warning sign when backpressure is high, but a preoperational inspection does not identify high backpressure in the pilot lines. Keep people clear of boom movement and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.

What should I do?

1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2021 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
2. Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free repair for unintended boom movement.
3. Schedule installation of the jumper hose and check valve plus the overcenter blocking cartridge replacement, which fixes the boom hydraulic issue that lets the upper and lower booms move after joystick release.
4. Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V409 when you call.
5. Avoid operating the boom around people until the repair is complete, and stop using the aerial device if the boom moves after joystick or control interlock release.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Altec technician installs a jumper hose and check valve in the boomtip tank lines, then replaces the overcenter blocking cartridge with one that has an internally referenced drain path. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for related out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. If you already paid for this repair, contact Altec customer service and keep documentation for the claim.

Timeline

Frequently asked questions

More information

Source documents

• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCLYLY
• Download Quarterly Report (PDF) · RCLQRT
• Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) · RCONL
• Download Recall Report (PDF) · RCLRPT
• Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) · RCAK

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 →