Smeal Fire Trucks Recalled for Transmission Shift Unit Defect
Smeal is recalling 88 model year 2015-2016 Aerial and Pumper fire trucks because a damaged transmission component may prevent operators from switching power output, potentially hindering fire suppression.
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 may prevent fire suppression, increasing the risk of injury, but no specific injuries or fatalities are reported in the source text.
Plain-English summary
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc. is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Smeal Aerial and Pumper fire trucks manufactured between July 16, 2015, and August 1, 2016. The recall involves 88 vehicles that may be equipped with specific C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. These transmissions are used to send power to the wheels or to power add-on units, such as water pumps used for firefighting.
A component within the shift unit of the affected transmissions may be damaged. As a result, the operator may not be able to switch the power output. If the power output cannot be changed, the fire truck may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing a fire once it arrives at the scene, which increases the risk of injury.
Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will remove the shift unit assembly and replace the clevis pin and retaining rings free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2016. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-877-415-8628 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- SMEAL AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS, AERIAL, PUMPER
- Brand
- SMEAL
- Manufacturer
- Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Fire Apparatus
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 88
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 (3)
- AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS
- AERIAL
- PUMPER
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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