Charles Machine Recalls Ditch Witch T18 Trailers Due to Wheel Lockup Risk
Charles Machine is recalling 2013-2015 Ditch Witch T18 trailers because incorrect bearing pre-loads may cause wheels to lock up, increasing crash risk.
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 structural vehicle defect (bearing pre-loads) that can cause wheel lockup and increase crash risk, but the source text does not report any injuries or fatalities, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.
Plain-English summary
Charles Machine Works Inc is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ditch Witch T18 tandem axle trailers manufactured between January 1, 2013, and February 15, 2015. These trailers may or may not have vacuum excavators mounted on them. The recall affects 590 units.
The wheel hubs of the affected trailers may have incorrect bearing pre-loads, which can cause the trailer wheels to lock up. A trailer wheel lock up would increase the risk of a crash.
Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles and replace the bearings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2015. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- CHARLES MACHINE DITCH WITCH T18
- Brand
- CHARLES MACHINE
- Manufacturer
- Charles Machine Works Inc
- Category
- Vehicle — Trailer
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 590
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 (1)
- DITCH WITCH T18
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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