Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017 Commercial Rescue, 2014-2019 Predator Panther Pumper, Commercial Pumper and Predator SS Pumper, 2012-2019 Predator Pumper, 2015-2019 Commercial Wildland, 2018 Predator Rescue and 2016 Predator SS Wildland vehicles. The lock for the gas springs that support the sliding, lift-up cover may be unintentionally disabled, preventing the lock from engaging.
Safety risk
If the lock is not engaged, the sliding, lift-up cover may fall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to personnel working under the cover.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gas springs on the sliding, lift-up cover with new gas springs with an alternative locking mechanism or new gas springs without a locking mechanism and a separate stay arm, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Vehicles affected
38
Reported to NHTSA
2018-04-13
Owners notified
2018-05-22
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2012-2016 KME Predator SS Pumper and Predator Pumper, and 2015-2016 Predator Aerial vehicles equipped with Cummins ISX12 engines. The braided cab lift hydraulic hoses, wire braided air lines and/or wire braided fuel cooler lines may be improperly routed and secured contacting the starter power stud, causing a leak and a possible short-circuit.
Safety risk
A fluid leak combined with arcing between the power stud and the exposed wire can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the area around the starter and make sure that the hoses have sufficient clearance, replacing any damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses, and adding hose chafe guards, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2007-2012 KME Predator Pumper, 2013 Predator SS Aerial, 2007 Predator Aerial, 2008-2011 Predator Rescue, and 2007 Predator Tanker vehicles, equipped with Timoney Independent Front Suspensions. Inconsistent machining may result in fatigue cracks developing over time in the front axle spindles, causing failure of the spindle and the possible separation of a front wheel from the vehicle.
Safety risk
A wheel separation from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle spindle, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Predator Pumper, Predator Panther Pumper and Predator Aerial, 2013 Predator Panther Aerial and Predator Rescue and 2012 Predator Panther Tanker emergency vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the front grille may loosen and separate from the cab face.
Safety risk
If the front grille detaches from the vehicle while driving, it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
All the vehicles affected in this campaign have been remedied. Therefore, an owner notification will not be issued. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-570-669-5577.
Owner complaints
A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.
No complaints recorded for this model year.
Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.