The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·20V006000·Announced 2020-01-08

KME Firestix Aerial Devices Recalled for Swing Drive Lubrication Defect

KME is recalling certain 2012-2015 and 2017 Firestix Aerial Devices because swing drives may lack lubricating oil, risking gear damage and uncontrolled ladder movement.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (swing drive/gears) that can cause uncontrolled movement of a heavy aerial device, posing a significant risk of injury as defined in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling one 2017 and certain 2012-2015 Emergency Response KME 55 FT Firestix Aerial Devices. The recall addresses a defect where the swing drives may not contain lubricating oil. This lack of lubrication can cause the internal gears to become damaged and seize.

If the internal gears are damaged or begin seizing, the ladder may experience uncontrolled movement. This condition increases the risk of injury to operators or bystanders. The recall began on February 25, 2020.

KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the swing drives and rebuild them if they do not contain the required lubricating oil, free of charge. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KME FIRESTIX
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Fire Apparatus
Hazard
Affected units
6

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)

  • FIRESTIX

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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