2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial problems

What is wrong

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Predator Rescue, SS Rescue, SS Aerial, Aerial, SS TDA and Tanker and Predator Panther Rescue and Aerial, 2016-2020 Predator Panther Pumper and Predator SS Pumper, 2017-2020 Predator Panther Tanker and Predator Pumper, 2017 Predator SS Tanker and 2017-2018 Predator TDA. In the event of a hydraulic system failure while raising or lowering the cab, the hydraulic velocity fuses may not activate and lock the cab in place to prevent the cab from quickly closing.

Risk

If the velocity fuses do not activate and stop the cab from lowering, the cab may hit occupants working underneath, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the velocity fuses for each cab lift cylinder, free of charge. The recall began August 29, 2019. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1‑800‑235‑3928.

Recall number 19V528000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2015-2017 KME Predator SS Aerial, and 2015-2018 KME Predator Aerial emergency vehicles equipped with an aerial platform and optional modular platform tether control. If the tether control gets unplugged while it is operating the aerial, the last command will be continued to be carried out.

Risk

If the aerial continues moving when the tether is unplugged, it can increase the risk of an injury.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will install updated software to stop the aerial's movement, free of charge. The recall began July 13, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1‑800‑235‑3928.

Recall number 18V393000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Predator Aerial, and 2014-2017 Predator SS Aerial vehicles. A software error may cause the aerial ladder tip control speed to momentarily switch from 20 percent speed to 100 percent overall speed.

Risk

The ladder speed accelerating without warning can increase the risk of injury to the ladder user or those nearby.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will update the ladder speed software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1‑800‑235‑3926.

Recall number 17V504000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Predator Aerial and Predator Panther Aerial, 2014 Predator TDA, 2014-2017 Predator SS TDA, and 2012-2017 Predator SS Aerial fire trucks. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the ladder position sensor allowing the ladder to make contact with the vehicle or be placed off of the short jack side of the truck.

Risk

If the ladder contacts the truck or is placed off of the short jack side of the truck there may be a increased risk of injury.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ladder position sensor mount and bearing system, replacing them as needed, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1‑800‑235‑3926.

Recall number 16V930000 · Recall details

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this PE on November 12th, 2019 after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging the aerial turntable on their 2013 KME fire trucks were supplied from the manufacturer without lubrication. When inspected, it was found that some of the turntable internal gears had seized and other gearbox internals were severely corroded and pitted due to lack of lubrication.ODI interviewed the two complainants and received documentation showing failed gearing and drive-planetaries due to a lack of lubrication. In addition, ODI visited the manufacturer's assembly plant to learn about the drive system and how it is received from the supplier Kraft Hydraulics. ODI learned the electric motor and apparatus are shipped dry. The system is then painted by KME prior to assembly on the fire truck when lubrication is then supposed to occur. KME has acknowledged the missed production step of filling the turntables with lubricating oil after installation on the vehicle. The turntable gearbox is supposed to contain lubricating oil to reduce friction and protect internal gears from corrosion. If the turntable was not filled with lubricating oil, it may seize or freely traverse without control, possibly striking objects and potentially endangering fire fighter safety.As part of the safety recall, KME will inspect and verify if the turntables contain lubricating oil. If not, they will be sent to the manufacturer for rebuild. If the owner has already incurred costs to remedy this issue, they will be directed in the notification letter to contact KME for reimbursement.This Preliminary Evaluation has been closed with a voluntary safety recall released by the manufacturer (20V‑006).The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at:http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreferenceusing the following complaint identification numbers: 1089324 and 11206194

PE19016