The defect
Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT14, VT20 and VT24 trailers with HX30, HX50 or HX75 vacuum excavators equipped with an optional jib boom. The jib boom on these vehicles can become loose from the latching pin mechanism, allowing the boom to swing outside the trailer while being towed.
The risk
If the jib boom swings outside the trailer while it is being towed, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
The remedy
Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latching pin with a hook mechanism that goes over the top of the arm, securing it to the trailer structure, free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2018. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0502488.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Charles Machine Ditch Witch | 2018 |
Components: STRUCTURE
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Machine Ditch Witch | 2018 | 0 | 3 |
Other structure recalls in 2018
63 of the 912 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2018 concerned the structure; Charles Machine Works Inc filed 8 campaigns in all.
| 18V915000 19 Dec 2018 | Nissan North America, Inc. |
| 18V886000 12 Dec 2018 | Gillig LLC |
| 18V878000 10 Dec 2018 | Daimler Trucks North America LLC |
| 18V877000 10 Dec 2018 | Daimler Trucks North America LLC |
| 18V849000 29 Nov 2018 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| 18V848000 28 Nov 2018 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| 18V825000 21 Nov 2018 | Great Dane Trailers |
| 18V808000 15 Nov 2018 | Wabash National Corporation |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2018