Recall 21V709 affects 29 2021 Altec Aerial Device units for improperly machined cylinder rod threads. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 29 2021 Aerial Device units because cylinder rod threads were not machined properly, which can lead to uncontrollable boom movement. The defect increases the risk of injury, and Altec dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic cylinder on the 2021 Altec Aerial Device uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to move and hold the boom. Its cylinder rod is the metal shaft that slides in and out of the cylinder, and the rod threads help secure that shaft inside the assembly while the boom is raised, lowered, or held in position.
On affected units, the cylinder rod threads were not machined to the required drawing specifications. Threads that are cut incorrectly do not hold the way the design requires. If those threads fail, the hydraulic cylinder can stop controlling the boom as intended, which can lead to uncontrollable boom movement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The operator should not expect a noise, visible damage, or a change in boom feel before the threaded connection fails.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Altec Aerial Device | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 29 |
| 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?
Uncontrollable boom movement increases the risk of injury to anyone operating or working near the aerial device. There is no warning sign before failure, so if your VIN is included, keep the boom out of service and arrange the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Altec Aerial Device is included in this recall.
- Contact an authorized Altec service location to schedule the free cylinder replacement that fixes the improperly machined rod threads linked to uncontrolled boom movement.
- Bring the recall notice if Altec mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V709 when you call.
- Avoid boom operation until the cylinder replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the cylinder linked to the improperly machined rod threads. The recall repair is available now, and the cylinder replacement is free. Parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket cylinder repairs already paid are handled through Altec Warranty Policy, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 13, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 12, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 12, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V709?
Recall 21V709 covers 29 2021 Altec Aerial Devices with cylinder rod threads that were not machined properly. The defect can cause uncontrollable boom movement, increasing injury risk. Altec will replace the cylinder free of charge.
What should I do if my 2021 Altec Aerial Device is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2021 Altec Aerial Device is included in recall 21V709. If it is, contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and reference Altec recall MAB 834. Altec will replace the cylinder free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Altec will replace the affected cylinder free of charge through its recall process for campaign 21V709.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is uncontrolled boom movement. If the cylinder rod threads fail to hold as intended, the boom can move without control, increasing the risk of injury to operators or people near the aerial device.
When were owners notified about recall 21V709?
Altec mailed owner notification letters on September 30, 2021. If you own a 2021 Altec Aerial Device and never received a letter, check your VIN and contact Altec customer service with recall number MAB 834.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V709000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V709 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V709000 |
Source documents
-
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 →