Recall 25V251 affects 900 2024-2025 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles for unintended boom movement. Counterbalance valve replacement is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
Altec is recalling 900 2024-2025 Digger Derrick vehicles because an improperly seated retaining ring can let the hydraulic cylinder lose pressure, resulting in unintended boom movement. That movement increases the risk of injury, and Altec dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The counterbalance valve cartridge in the hydraulic cylinder on 2024-2025 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles helps control boom movement. In normal operation, the valve holds hydraulic pressure so the boom stays where the operator commands it, instead of drifting when the load or cylinder pressure changes.
On affected units, the retaining ring inside the valve cartridge was not properly seated in its groove on the valve poppet, the internal piece that opens and closes hydraulic flow. If that ring is out of position, the valve assembly can fail without giving the cylinder the pressure control it needs. The result is loss of hydraulic pressure and unintended boom movement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The operator is not expected to hear, feel, or see a clear signal before the counterbalance valve fails.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2024 and 2025 Digger Derrick trucks, with the same boom/crane/ladder component named for both model years.
| 2025 Altec Digger Derrick | Boom/crane/ladder |
|---|---|
| 2024 Altec Digger Derrick | Boom/crane/ladder |
| Units affected | 900 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended boom movement increases the risk of injury to anyone working near the equipment. There is no warning sign before a counterbalance valve retaining ring problem, so keep people clear of the boom and schedule the valve replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Altec dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 Altec Digger Derrick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the free counterbalance-valve replacement that keeps the hydraulic cylinder from losing pressure and allowing unintended boom movement.
- Bring the owner letter Altec mailed June 13, 2025, or reference recall number 25V251 when you call.
- Keep the boom secured and avoid operating the equipment until the dealer repair is complete.
- Call Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 with questions about scheduling or recall CSN-3223.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Altec technician replaces the counterbalance valves covered by recall 25V251. The repair is open now, and the replacement parts and labor are free of charge. If you already paid out of pocket for the same counterbalance valve problem before the owner letter, Altec's Warranty Policy covers eligible reimbursement for that cost. Contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 and keep repair documentation tied to the hydraulic cylinder or boom movement issue.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 13, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| June 13, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 13, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 13, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V251?
Recall 25V251 covers 900 2024-2025 Altec Digger Derrick vehicles with an improperly seated retaining ring that can make the hydraulic cylinder lose pressure and allow unintended boom movement. Altec dealers will replace the counterbalance valves for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 Altec Digger Derrick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V251. If it is, contact a franchised Altec dealer to schedule the counterbalance valve replacement. Reference recall number 25V251 and Altec recall number CSN-3223 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 says dealers will replace the counterbalance valves free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Altec dealer.
What is the safety risk with this Altec Digger Derrick recall?
The risk is unintended boom movement. The recall says an improperly seated retaining ring can cause the hydraulic cylinder to lose pressure, which can let the boom move without command and increase the risk of injury.
When were owners notified about recall 25V251?
Altec mailed owner notification letters on June 13, 2025. If you did not receive a letter, check your VIN and contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832 or a franchised Altec dealer for scheduling help.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V251000 |
|---|---|
| Altec customer service | 1-877-462-5832 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V251 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V251000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →