Recall 21V512 covers 43 2020-2021 Altec D2000, D4000, and D3000 derrick diggers for unintended boom rotation. Repair is free through Altec.
Altec is recalling 43 2020-2021 D2000, D3000, and D4000 derrick diggers because an improperly seated retaining ring in the gearbox can let the boom rotate freely without command. Unintended boom movement increases the risk of injury, and Altec will inspect and repair the gearbox assembly free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Paccar SD40 swing drive gearbox on the 2020-2021 Altec D2000, D4000, and D3000 derrick diggers controls boom rotation. Inside that gearbox, a retaining ring is supposed to sit fully in a machined groove and hold the gearbox assembly in position as the boom swings under load.
On affected units, the groove in the motor adaptor housing was machined in the wrong location. The lead-in chamfer at the groove allowed the retaining ring to appear seated even when it was not fully locked into place. When the ring dislodges, the gearbox no longer holds the boom the way it should, and the boom can rotate freely without operator command.
There is no warning sign before failure that tells an operator the retaining ring is not seated correctly. If the ring fails, a preoperational inspection can find the nonconforming gearbox before the digger is used.
Who's affected?
Covers D2000, D3000, and D4000 equipment from the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to the same swing drive gearbox.
| 2021 Altec D2000 | Hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder |
|---|---|
| 2020 Altec D2000 | Hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder |
| 2020 Altec D4000 | Hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder |
| 2020 Altec D3000 | Hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder |
| 2021 Altec D4000 | Hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder |
| 2021 Altec D3000 | Hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder |
| Units affected | 43 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended boom movement increases the risk of injury. There is no warning that the retaining ring is not properly seated, so complete the preoperational inspection and keep the boom out of service if the gearbox does not pass inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Altec D2000, D4000, or D3000 derrick digger is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free gearbox assembly repair that corrects the retaining-ring problem and stops unintended boom rotation.
- Reference recall number 21V512 and Altec recall CSN 827 when you call.
- Bring the owner letter if Altec mailed one to you.
- Keep people clear of the boom area until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician repairs the gearbox assembly, including the retaining ring issue that lets the boom rotate freely. The repair is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. Altec's warranty policy covers the recall remedy rather than a separate reimbursement program. If you paid for related gearbox work before the recall repair, ask Altec customer service how that warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 7, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 2, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 3, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V512?
Recall 21V512 covers 43 2020-2021 Altec D2000, D4000, and D3000 Derrick diggers with an improperly seated retaining ring in the gearbox assembly. The defect allows the boom to rotate freely without command. Altec will repair the gearbox assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Altec D2000, D4000, or D3000 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Derrick digger is included in recall 21V512. If it is, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference Altec recall CSN 827. Altec will repair the gearbox assembly free of charge.
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 it will repair the gearbox assembly free of charge. Contact Altec customer service with recall CSN 827 to arrange the repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended boom movement. An improperly seated retaining ring in the gearbox assembly allows the boom to rotate freely, which increases the risk of injury to operators or people working near the equipment. Keep workers clear of the boom until Altec completes the repair.
When were owners notified about recall 21V512?
Altec mailed owner notification letters on September 3, 2021. If you bought the equipment used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether the Derrick digger is included, then contact Altec customer service and reference recall CSN 827.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V512000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V512 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V512000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →