The problem
Altec Industries, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Digger Derrick vehicles equipped with a PENGO digger extension shaft. A defect in the base material at the weld joint may result in a stress fracture through the applied weld of the drive hub to the hex bar material.
The risk
The stress fracture could cause the extension shaft to separate from the drive hub when digging, increasing the risk of personal injury and/or property damage.
The fix
Altec will notify owners, and will inspect the PENGO digger extension shaft and, as necessary, replace the shaft, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 12, 2012. Owners may contact Altec Industries at 1-877-462-5832.
Contacts
Altec's recall campaign number is CSN 568. Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Altec dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 12V423000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.