01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS
2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch recall campaigns
NHTSA 19V490000
- Component
- TRAILER HITCHES
- Report received
- June 25, 2019
- Potential units
- 290campaign-wide
Defect and consequence
Defect: Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT17, 2018-2019 VT20 and VT24 trailers. The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.
Why it matters: Without a sufficient clamp load, the hitch may unexpectedly detach from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Charles Machine has notified owners, and will provide new hardware, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0568989.
Owner notification: June 28, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Charles Machine Works Inc
NHTSA 19V487000
- Component
- SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
- Report received
- June 21, 2019
- Potential units
- 796campaign-wide
Defect and consequence
Defect: Charles Machine Works Inc. (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ditch Witch VT9, VT12, VT14, VT17, VT20 and VT24 trailers. The brake wire terminals may have been improperly crimped, which can result in the trailer brakes failing to apply when commanded.
Why it matters: If the trailer brakes do not apply as expected, the distance required to stop the trailer may be lengthened, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Charles Machine has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake terminals with a machine terminal, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481.
Owner notification: June 25, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Charles Machine Works Inc
NHTSA 19V154000
- Component
- SUSPENSION
- Report received
- March 1, 2019
- Potential units
- 59campaign-wide
Defect and consequence
Defect: Charles Machine Works, Inc (Charles) is recalling certain 2019 Ditch Witch VT24 trailers. The axle bearings may not have been greased.
Why it matters: The ungreased axle bearings could result in a wheel locking up, affecting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Charles will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for the affected batch number and rework the hubs with new seals and bearings, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Charles customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles' number for this recall is ID0555609.
Owner notification: March 25, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Charles Machine Works Inc
02 / COMPONENT BREADTH