Recalls Of The Day, November 10, 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three recalls.  Many individuals believe that NHTSA only recalls automobiles.  This is further from the truth as there are examples in this list of recalls.

The first recall is for blades flying out of a wood chipper.  Possible injury could result.  Heck a flying woodchipper blade could lob off your head.

The second recall is for leaky brake air lines on a semi.  A semi without brakes could cause a crash.

The third recall is for faulty wheels.  If a faulty wheel falls off  the result could be loss of vehicle control resulting in a crash. 

Let's face it, any of these events could end in loss of life.       

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): ALTEC / CFD 1217 WOOD CHIPPER 2011-2012 Manufacturer: ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC. Report Receipt Date: OCT 24, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V517000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 205

Summary: Altec is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 CFD 127 wood chippers, manufactured between May 2011 through September 2012. The wood chipper blades were not made to hardness specifications.

Consequence: Due to not being the correct hardness, the wood chipper blades could fail during use causing the blade to separate. This could lead to personal injury.

Remedy: Altec will notify owners and will replace the blades, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Altec at 1-205-408-8627.

Notes: Altec's recall number is MAB 572. 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.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): KENWORTH / T270 2012-2013 KENWORTH / T370 2012-2013 Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated Report Receipt Date: OCT 12, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V530000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 15 Summary: Kenworth is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 T270 and T370 medium duty trucks built with Eaton Ultrashift transmissions between December 7, 2011, and April 6, 2012. The air harness from the treadle valve on the affected vehicles was routed in a manner that can cause the air brake lines to be pinched between the cab and the electronic clutch actuator of the Eaton Ultrashift transmission. Significant movement between the cab and transmission can cause progressive wear and an eventual leak in the air lines. Consequence: Air lines which leak can cause reduced brake function, which may result in a crash. Remedy: Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000. Notes: Kenworth's recall campaign number is 12KWH. 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.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): BOATWHEELS / PB20-SL3500 2011 BOATWHEELS / PB20-TM6000 2011 BOATWHEELS / PB25-TM1040 2011 Manufacturer: ALUMINA, INC Report Receipt Date: OCT 31, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V520000 EQ12007 NHTSA Action Number: EQ12007 Component: WHEELS Potential Number of Units Affected: 3 Summary: Alumina, Inc., dba Boatwheels, is recalling one model year 2011 PB25-TM1040, one 2011 PB20-TM6000, and one 2011 PB20-SL3500 trailer equipped with certain 908 Yuma, 910 Intruder, and 921 Intrepid series Black Rock toy hauler trailer wheels. Due to a manufacturing defect, the wheels may not be tightened to the proper torque requirements. Consequence: This condition could allow the wheels to loosen, leading to wheel separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. Remedy: Alumina will notify owners and direct them to contact the supplier, Carlisle. The affected wheels will be replaced at the owners nearest service center, free of charge. The recall will begin in November 2012. Owners may contact Alumina, Inc. at 1-419-433-2300. Notes: Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to www.safercar.gov.