NHTSA Service Bulletin 10186514: 2004-2015 Altec Aerial Device
Official manufacturer communication context for 2004-2015 Altec Aerial Device, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Structural cracking has been observed where the primary leveling cylinder mounting pin is welded to the lower boom side plate on LS 40/45/55 aerial devices. Failure of this connection could disable the hydraulic platform leveling system. Altec has developed a kit to reduce the relief pressure of the hydraulic leveling circuit. This will prevent damage to the leveling cylinder mounting pin weld joint by reducing the weld stress. Altec has also developed a kit to repair the lower boom if the side plate has cracked. Altec requires the inspection and repair be completed on the affected units by the next annual preventive maintenance interval or within one year of receipt of the SIL.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10186514?
Structural cracking has been observed where the primary leveling cylinder mounting pin is welded to the lower boom side plate on LS 40/45/55 aerial devices. Failure of this connection could disable the hydraulic platform leveling system. Altec has developed a kit to reduce the relief pressure of the hydraulic leveling circuit. This will prevent damage to the leveling cylinder mounting pin weld joint by reducing the.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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