EquipmentRecall 11V-226 · Ditch Witch vehicles
CHARLES MACHINE WORKS INC recall 11V-226 covers 1,476 Ditch Witch vehicles for a equipment problem, reported to NHTSA on April 12, 2011.
Source: NHTSA recall 11V226000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
THE CHARLES MACHINE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2011 DITCH WITCH CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT TRAILER EQUIPPED WITH 500 GALLON VACUUM EXCAVATORS. THE TANK MOUNTING CAN BREAK WHICH CAN ALLOW THE TANK TO FALL FROM THE TRAILER DURING DUMPING OR TRANSPORTING.
The risk
A FALLING TANK FROM THE TRAILER COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR COULD CRUSH BYSTANDERS OR WORKERS INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
The fix
KITS WERE CREATED TO REDISTRIBUTE THE WEIGHT OF THE SPOILS TANK MORE UNIFORMLY ACROSS THE TRAILER. DEALERS WILL ORDER THE APPROPRIATE KITS TO REMEDY THE TRAILERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 2, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CHARLES MACHINE WORKS, INC., TELEPHONE 1-800-654-6481. OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, CALL 1-580-336-4426 EXT. 8833.
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A>.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.