Charles Machine Recalls 2018 Ditch Witch Trailers Due to Jib Boom Defect
Charles Machine is recalling 2018 Ditch Witch trailers with vacuum excavators because the jib boom can become loose and swing outside the trailer while being towed.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
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 source states the defect can increase the risk of injury or a crash, but no specific injuries or fatalities are reported, fitting the 'High' criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.
Plain-English summary
Charles Machine Works Inc is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT14, VT20, and VT24 trailers equipped with HX30, HX50, or HX75 vacuum excavators and an optional jib boom. The recall affects 96 units.
The defect involves the jib boom, which can become loose from the latching pin mechanism. This allows the boom to swing outside the trailer while it is being towed, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latching pin with a hook mechanism that secures the arm to the trailer structure, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2018. 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
- Brand
- CHARLES MACHINE
- Manufacturer
- Charles Machine Works Inc
- Category
- Vehicle — Trailer
- Affected units
- 96
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
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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