Recall 21V559 affects 878 2016-2021 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles for unintended pole guide joystick movement. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 878 2016-2021 Digger Derrick vehicles because the pole guide joystick sits close enough to the operator controls for an operator's forearm to move it unintentionally. An engaged joystick can cause uncontrolled movement of an unbalanced load, increasing injury risk; Altec dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The proportional joystick control on 2016-2021 Altec Digger Derrick equipment is the hand control the operator uses to command specific boom or pole-handling functions. In this recall, the affected control handle includes the pole guide joystick. That joystick is supposed to move only when the operator intentionally commands the pole guide or tongs during setup and lifting work.
On affected units, the control layout puts the pole guide joystick close enough to nearby controls that an operator's forearm can bump it by mistake. That unwanted movement can open the pole tongs and release the load. Altec identified the issue after one field report where inadvertent joystick movement released a load and caused property damage.
There is no warning sign before this happens. The equipment does not give a separate alert when the joystick is bumped, so the first sign is the pole guide or tongs moving without the operator intending it.
Who's affected?
Spans six model years, all tied to the same proportional joystick control handle.
| 2016 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2018 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2021 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2020 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2019 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| 2017 Altec Digger Derrick | Equipment |
| Units affected | 878 |
| 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 your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unintentionally engaged joystick can cause uncontrolled movement of an unbalanced load, increasing injury risk. There is no warning when the joystick is inadvertently actuated, so keep workers clear of the load path and use extra care around the controls. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2021 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to schedule the free guard-kit installation over the pole guide controls, which protects the joystick from forearm contact.
- Reference recall number 21V559 and Altec recall CSN 829 when you call.
- Avoid operating the pole guide controls with an unbalanced load until the guard kit is installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer or authorized Altec service location, an Altec technician installs a guard kit over the pole guide controls so the joystick is less exposed to accidental contact from the operator's forearm. The kit and installation are free of charge under the recall. Altec has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same recall repair. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask Altec customer service how to submit invoices, payment records, and related documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 16, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V559?
Recall 21V559 covers 878 2016-2021 Altec Digger Derrick units with pole guide controls placed close enough that an operator's forearm can inadvertently move the joystick. Altec will provide a guard kit for the pole guide controls for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2021 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific unit is included in recall 21V559. If it is, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 to arrange the free pole guide control guard kit. Reference recall 21V559 and Altec CSN 829 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to remedy safety recalls at no cost, and Altec's remedy states it will provide the pole guide control guard kit free of charge. Owner letters were mailed on September 15, 2021.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is uncontrolled movement of an unbalanced load if the pole guide joystick is unintentionally engaged. That movement increases the risk of injury. Until the guard kit is installed, keep operators aware of the control location and follow Altec's recall instructions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V559000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V559 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V559000 |
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 →