The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·10V590000·Announced 2010-11-22

Heil Refuse Collection Vehicles Recalled for Lift Control Defect

Heil Environmental is recalling 2004-2010 Durapack and Multipack refuse collection vehicles because carbon buildup in the lift control system may cause the arm to move without operator input.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the defect could result in vehicle crashes or injuries to persons outside the vehicle, but the source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Heil Environmental is recalling certain 2004 through 2010 Durapack and Multipack refuse collection vehicles equipped with Python lifts. These vehicles utilize a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) to activate the grabber close and lift functions.

Carbon can build up on internal relays within the PLC, which may cause a bridging or inadvertent circuit completion due to vibration. If this occurs, the arm can lift or grab without operator inputs, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash or injuries to persons outside the vehicle.

Heil will notify owners, and dealers will install a retrofit kit to repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2011. Owners may contact Heil Customer Support toll-free at 1-866-275-4345 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
HEIL DURAPACK PYTHON, MULTIPACK
Brand
HEIL
Manufacturer
HEIL ENVIRONMENTAL
Category
Vehicle — Refuse Collection Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
2,201

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • DURAPACK PYTHON
  • MULTIPACK

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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