2013 Altec Digger Derrick problems, complaints & recalls

Defect: Altec Industries Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain 2011-2025 Aerial Device, Digger Derrick, and 2022-2025 Service Body vehicles. The cable step wire rope assembly may be improperly secured, which can allow the cable entry step to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A cable step that fails during use increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Altec will provide owners with instructions to inspect the cable crimps. If the cables are improperly crimped, Altec will provide instructions and a kit to replace the wire rope assemblies. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN-3246.

Defect: Altec Industries, Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain 2004-2023 DL42 and DL45 Digger Derricks. The incorrect hydraulic load holding valve may have been installed, which can cause the winch to lower uncontrollably and the load to fall.

Risk: An uncontrolled load falling increases the risk of injury to personnel or others nearby.

Fix: Altec will replace the load holding valve, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 6, 2023. Owners may contact Altec's customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is MAB 3113.

Defect: Altec Industries Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain 2009-2019 DL/DM, DL/DMB, DH, D/2/3/4, and DC Digger Derrick vehicles. The slope indicator placard card may falsely indicate that the unit could be used without leveling on a 5 degree slope.

Risk: An operator may improperly set up the unit, making the unit unstable, thus increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Altec will notify owners, and issue CSN 719 to owners, instructing them to remove the incorrect placards, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2019. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 719.

Defect: Altec Industries, Inc (Altec) is recalling certain 2003-2019 Altec DL/DM, DL/DMB, and DC Digger Derrick vehicles. The pedestal tube welds may crack over time.

Risk: Unrepaired cracks may result in failure of the pedestal and uncontrolled movement increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Altec will notify owners and will provide repairs as necessary and a reinforcing kit. The recall began April 3, 2019. Owners may contact Altec's customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 713.

Defect: Altec Industries, Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain 2008-2018 Altec AC18, AC23, AC26, AC30 and AC38 Cranes and D2B, D3A, D4A/B, DL42B, DT65 and DT80 Digger Derrick vehicles. The wiring on the 12V circuit from the chassis battery to the Power Distribution Module (PDM) may be insufficiently sized.

Risk: The insufficiently sized wire may overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

Fix: Altec will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring to the PDM, with a larger wire and/or replace the circuit breaker, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2019. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 703.

Defect: Altec Industries Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles manufactured October 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014, and mounted on Freightliner chassis. In the event of a short circuit condition, the 30 amp breaker to the trailer relay module may react too slowly to prevent the module from overheating.

Risk: If the module overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Fix: Altec will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 30 amp circuit breaker with a 20 amp one, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2015. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 1-800-860-0183. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 612.

Defect: Altec Industries, Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain model year 2000-2013 Aerial Device and Digger Derrick trucks, equipped with Sure Power Battery Equalizers containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

Risk: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Altec will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected battery equalizer, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Altec customer service at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 603.

Defect: Altec Industries Inc. (Altec) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 DT80, and model year 2011-2013 D2, D3 and D4 digger derrick models manufactured June 2009 through November 2013. The fasteners that hold the bracket for the feeder tube (the telescopic hydraulic tube that supplies pump flow to the auger) may become loose allowing the feeder tube to fall.

Risk: A falling feeder tube increases the risk of injury to people nearby.

Fix: Altec will notify owners, and Altec service centers will install an upgraded feeder tube bracket and mounting hardware, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2014. Owners may contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's number for this recall is CSN 591.

Defect: Altec is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Digger Derrick models D2/3/4 and DC/DL/DM manufactured June 2012 through July 2013. The bolts that attach the winch motor to the winch may not be properly tightened and may become loose.

Risk: If the bolts come loose, the winch motor may detach causing the load to fall, which may result in personal injury.

Fix: Altec will notify owners and Altec service personnel will check and correct the torque of the winch motor bolts. The recall is expected to begin September 12, 2013. Owner's may contact Altec at 1-877-462-5832. Altec's recall number is CSN 586.