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Charles Machine Ditch Witch Recall 18V727: Jib Boom Can Swing Out While Towed, Risking Crash

NHTSA campaign 18V727, reported October 18, 2018, 96 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT14, VT20 and VT24 trailers with HX30, HX50 or HX75 vacuum excavators, equipped with an optional jib boom, may have a jib boom that becomes loose from its latching pin mechanism. The boom can then swing outside the trailer while the unit is being towed.

If the jib boom swings outside the trailer during towing, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.

Charles Machine Works will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latching pin with a hook mechanism that goes over the top of the arm and secures it to the trailer structure, at no cost to you. Contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481 (recall ID0502488), and check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for any open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 18V727Charles Machine Works Inc
Component
STRUCTURE
Problem
Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT14, VT20 and VT24 trailers with HX30, HX50 or HX75 vacuum excavators equipped with an optional jib boom. The jib boom on these vehicles can become loose from the latching pin mechanism, allowing the boom to swing outside the trailer while being towed.
Risk
If the jib boom swings outside the trailer while it is being towed, it can increase the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy
Charles Machine will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latching pin with a hook mechanism that goes over the top of the arm, securing it to the trailer structure, free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2018. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0502488.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Charles Machine Ditch Witch2018