Ditch Witch Recalls 2009-2011 Vacuum Excavator Trailers Due to Tank Mounting Defect
Charles Machine Works is recalling certain Ditch Witch trailers because the tank mounting can break, allowing the tank to fall and risk injury.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where a component can break and fall, posing a risk of crushing injuries to bystanders or workers, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury reports.
Plain-English summary
Charles Machine Works Inc. is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Ditch Witch construction equipment trailers equipped with 500-gallon vacuum excavators. The affected models include the T9S, T18S, T9SH, and T12SE. The recall involves 1,476 units.
The tank mounting on these trailers can break, which can allow the tank to fall from the trailer during dumping or transporting. A falling tank could increase the risk of a crash or could crush bystanders or workers, increasing the risk of injuries.
Dealers will order appropriate kits to redistribute the weight of the spoils tank more uniformly across the trailer to remedy the issue. The safety recall began on May 2, 2011. Owners may contact Charles Machine Works, Inc. at 1-800-654-6481 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- DITCH WITCH T18S, T9SH, T9S, T12SE
- Brand
- DITCH WITCH
- Manufacturer
- CHARLES MACHINE WORKS INC
- Category
- Vehicle — Construction Equipment
- Affected units
- 1,476
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 (4)
- T18S
- T9SH
- T9S
- T12SE
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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