2012 Altec Digger Derrick

Altec has received notification from Parker Chelsea, the manufacturer, of an issue with some of their 281 and 890 Series PTOs. An unintended restriction in lubrication flow may produce elevated back pressure in cold-start scenarios, leading to partial engagement of the clutch. Once the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature, the clutch drag will abate. In extreme cases, repeated cold starts may result in clutch disk damage and failure to engage when activated.

Altec has learned that the king pin towing capacity placard might not be installed on certain DL derricks built from August 2005 to October 2024. This could lead to unintentional overloading which could result in cracks or deformations to the king pin assembly. Altec has had no reports of this issue occuring. This area should be inspected regularly as outlined in the Welds and Fasteners subsections in Section 4 of the unit’s Maintenance and Parts Manual.

Altec has learned that a 12-volt Airtronics relay installed in the PDM could have been manufactured to an insufficient threshold on certain units built from December 2004 to October 2022. This can cause the relay to overheat and fail, causing the accessory lights to stop working.

Altec has learned that the cap screws used to mount the planetary winch at the turntable could be shorter than specified on certain D3000A/B and D4000A/B units built from January 2012 to December 2015.

Altec has learned that certain digger derricks and aerial devices of various models built from January 2010 to January 2023 may contain access steps with a handrail and side plate that come together in a small space causing a potential pinch point. Altec has created a kit to eliminate the possible pinch point.

Altec has learned that the lift cylinder pivot pin retainers may bend or break during use on DT80 digger derricks built from March 2007 to October 2021. If the pin retainer fails, the pivot pin will still be held in place in the turntable or lower boom by retaining rings. However, the pin will be able to rotate in the pinning holes during lift cylinder movement. Altec has developed a kit containing high-strength pin retainers to replace the original pin retainers at both ends of the cylinder. The customer should order and install the High-Strength Pin Retainer Kit or schedule the installation of this kit by Altec. Do this no later than the next preventive maintenance interval or 30 days from the receipt of the SIL, whichever comes first. Also ensure that the lift cylinder spherical bearings are regularly greased according to the schedule stated in the Lubrication section in Section 4 of the unit’s Maintenance Manual. This repair is covered under the Altec Warranty Policy and can be performed by Altec, the customer, or the customer’s warranty provider. Altec will perform the work for free at an Altec facility.