AI Damage2018 Altec DRM12 Wood Chipper: common problems
The maker issued 3 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 3
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Altec has learned that certain DRM 12 and DRM 12he chippers built from 2014 to 2022 could develop fatigue…
Altec has learned that certain DRM 12 and DRM 12he chippers built from 2014 to 2022 could develop fatigue cracks in the upper pivot housing weldment. If not addressed, these cracks can lead to damage of the chipper…
- Engine Power Source (EPS) has launched a technical bulletin for MVP controllers with potential memory loss
These controllers have a display on Altec DC1317 and DRM12 chippers. Affected units have the potential for the display to go blank due to a voltage drop during the boot-up cycle. This can be fixed by reloading the…
- Altec has discovered that some of the fuel hoses used on chipper engines do not meet the proper specifications
While the fuel hose is not a safety concern, the hose does not meet the EPA permeation requirements per 40 CFR 1048.105. It is extremely important for the correct fuel line to be installed to minimize emissions to the…
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Altec DRM12 Wood Chipper?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 3 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Altec DRM12 Wood Chipper?
NHTSA lists 3 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Altec DRM12 Wood Chipper from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.