VVK0008 – Insufficient Rear Impact Protection/FMVSS 224 – 2016-2020 Vac-Tron CS500DT, CS570GT, CS573GT, CS800DT, CS800GT, CS1270GT, CS1270SGT, & CS1273GT Vacuum Excavator Trailers

May 20, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V292000

Insufficient Rear Impact Protection/FMVSS 224

In the event of a rear impact crash, the other vehicle can travel under the rear of the vacuum excavator, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to someone in the other vehicle.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V292

Manufacturer Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

Components STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected 110

 

Summary

Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC (Vac-Tron), a subsidiary of Vermeer Manufacturing Company (Vermeer), is recalling certain 2016-2020 CS500DT, CS570GT, CS573GT, CS800DT, CS800GT, CS1270GT, CS1270SGT, and CS1273GT Vacuum Excavator trailers. The rear most extremity extends too far beyond the rear of the trailer frame, reducing impact protection. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 224, “Rear Impact Protection.”

 

Remedy

Vac-Tron will notify owners, and Vermeer dealers will install remedy kits provided by Vac-Tron, free of charge. The recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact Vac-Tron customer service at 1-888-822-8766. Vac-Tron’s number for this recall is VVK0008.

 

Notes

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.

 

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Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

Trenchless
Okahumpka, FL  34762 USA

 

FIELD CAMPAIGN

SERVICE BULLETIN # SVV2020-012

DATE: 30 June 2020

 

CAMPAIGN TYPE:	Mandatory-Product Safety
CAMPAIGN CATEGORY:	Kit and Bulletin

 

MACHINE / ATTACHMENT MODEL (S) :	Serial Numbers
	Included	Excluded	Kit Version
CSGT	See attached listing on pages 4-5 of this Bulletin for specific VIN and Serial/Unit numbers	N/A	VVK01
CS873GT
CS870GT
CS870DT
CS800GT
CS573GT
CS570GT
CS500DT
CS1273GT	See attached listing on Page 5 of this Bulletin for specific VIN and Serial/Unit numbers	N/A	VVK02
CS1270SGT
CS1270GT

 

Subject:

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL FIRST NOTICE

 

Light Relocation, Reflector, Conspicuity Tape Installation, and Rear Extension Installation Kit

(VVK00-0008)

 

Background:

INADEQUATE LIGHTING, REFLECTORS, CONSPICUTITY TAPE AND REAR EXTENSION

The lighting, side and rear reflectors and conspicuity tape do not meet US or Canada

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS/CMVSS) governmental regulation 108 for the Unites States, Canada and Mexico. The trailers may not have an extended lower rear chassis, reducing rear impact protection and does not meet US or Canada Federal Motor Vehicle Standard (FMVSS/CMVSS) government regulation 223 for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

 

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE

When towing or parking the vacuum excavator on public roadways, a crash may occur resulting in death or serious injury resulting from a driver(s) of other vehicle(s) not seeing the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, vehicle lights will be relocated, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added.

In the event of a rear impact crash, the other vehicle may travel under the rear of the vacuum excavator, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to someone in the other vehicle or to the towing vehicle occupants.

Property or equipment damage may also occur.

 

Solution:

IMMEDIATE MACHINE MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED

VVK00-0008 has been created to provide the necessary parts and instructions to relocate the vehicle lights, add reflex reflectors, add conspicuity tape to the sides and rear, and add a rear extension. This kit must be installed as soon as possible.

Please be reminded that it is a violation of Federal law for you to sell or lease the machines covered by this notification until this recall has been performed on these machines. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.

 

DEALER PARTICIPATION

REVIEW REPORT, ORDER KITS, CONTACT CUSTOMERS

1. Reports will be emailed during the week of June 30, 2020, to dealerships shown in our records which have units in their territory affected by this Alert. Please review the report for accuracy, including owner and/or address changes.

If the information contained in the report is NOT correct, please notify the Product Safety Department on or before July 13, 2020 at:

Telephone: 641-621-7060
Fax:  641-621-8562
Email: productsafety@vermeer.com

 

2. Dealerships Order Kits by calling Vac-Tron at 888-822-8766.

Each dealership should determine the quantity of Kits to order initially depending upon the number of units that may be available for immediate upgrade. Do not order more Kits than needed for immediate installation.

 

3. Contact your affected customer(s) to schedule a mutually acceptable time to upgrade their machine. Note: Letters will be sent to the customer(s) on or about July 14, 2020. Also refer to Owner Notification section below.

If you have any questions concerning the installation of VVK00-0008, please contact the Vac-Tron Service Department. Vermeer Corporation is assisting Vac-Tron with the administration of this campaign.

 

REIMBURSEMENT

Upon completion of each Kit installation, a campaign Warranty Claim must be submitted to the Vermeer Corporation Warranty Department for reimbursement of the parts cost and labor of the Kit.

This kit will reimburse 6 labor hours.

Note: Future notices to dealers and owners are dependent upon the receipt of Warranty Claim.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Sample Letter: Included at the end of this Bulletin is a sample letter which will be sent by Vermeer Corporation directly to the Owners on or about July 14, 2020, via USPS certified/registered mail. Owner registrations indicate no translations are required for this campaign. The owner letter will be available in English only.

This owner notification/letter instructs the owner to contact their local dealership to arrange for a time to have the Kit installed. After receiving VVK00-0008 from Vac-Tron, you must contact your affected customer(s) immediately and schedule a mutually acceptable time to upgrade their machine.

We regret any inconvenience these corrective measures may cause you. This required work is for safety of the safety of the towing vehicle driver and occupants as well as other traveling on public roadways or in the immediate are while being towed. We hope you agree the safety benefits surpass the inconvenience.

 

VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, INC.

Attachment:

VVK00-0008 Kit Instructions

 

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NHTSA SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 20V-289 and 20V-292

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL First Notice Light Relocation, Reflector, Conspicuity Tape and Rear Extension Installation Kit (VVK00-008)

 

Model: «Model» This notice applies to your vehicle, Serial No: «VIN» Unit No: «PART_SRL»

 

VIA USPS CERTIFIED/REGISTERED MAIL

July 14, 2020

Dear «MODEL» Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Vermeer has decided that a defect, that relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain model year 2016-2020 Vermeer «MODEL».

 

INADEQUATE LIGHTING, REFLECTORS, CONSPICUTITY TAPE AND REAR EXTENSION

The lighting, side and rear reflectors and conspicuity tape do not meet US or Canada Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS/CMVSS) governmental regulation 108 for the Unites States, Canada and Mexico.

The trailers may not have an extended lower rear chassis, reducing rear impact protection and does not meet US or Canada Federal Motor Vehicle Standard (FMVSS/CMVSS) government regulation 223 for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

 

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE

When towing or parking the vacuum excavator on public roadways, a crash may occur resulting in death or serious injury resulting from a driver(s) of other vehicle(s) not seeing the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, vehicle lights will be relocated, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added.

In the event of a rear impact crash, the other vehicle may travel under the rear of the vacuum excavator, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to someone in the other vehicle or to the towing vehicle occupants.

Property or equipment damage may also occur.

 

IMMEDIATE MACHINE MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED

VVK00-008 has been created to provide the necessary parts and instructions to relocate the vehicle lights, add reflex reflectors, add conspicuity tape to the sides and rear, and add a rear extension. This kit must be installed as soon as possible.

Please contact your authorized, independent Vermeer dealer immediately to arrange a mutually acceptable time and location to install VVK00-008 at no cost to you for labor or materials. The installation of this kit is estimated at 6 hours of labor.  If the Vermeer dealer travels to the unit to install the kit, costs may be incurred by the owner. You must have your machine upgraded for these safety features.

 

Contact your local Vermeer Dealer:  «Service_Dealer_Name» «Serv_Dealer_Add1» «Serv_Dealer_Add2» «Serv_Dealer_City» «Serv_Dealer_St» «Serv_Dealer_Zip» «SERV_DEALER_COUNTRY» Telephone: «Serv_Dealer_Phone»

 

According to our records, you currently own a Vermeer «MODEL» ^[PRODUCT TYPE]. The Model and Serial Number of the «MODEL» is shown at the top right of this letter.  If you no longer own this unit, please notify the Product Safety Department at:

Toll Free: 800-829-0051, extension 7060
Telephone: 641-621-7060
E-mail: productsafety@vermeer.com

If possible, please provide the name and address of the new owner. Vermeer Corporation is  Vac-Tron with the administration of this campaign.

We regret any inconvenience these corrective measures may cause you. This required work is for safety of the safety of the towing vehicle driver and occupants as well as other traveling on public roadways or in the immediate are while being towed. We hope you agree the safety benefits surpass the inconvenience.

 

Very truly yours,

VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC

 

Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten (10) days.

If the authorized dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect without charge and within a reasonable time, contact Vermeer Product Safety by email at productsafety@vermeer.com or by calling 800-829-0051 or 641-621-7060. You may also submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov

 

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Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

Trenchless
Okahumpka, FL 34762 USA

 

FIELD CAMPAIGN KIT # VVK00-0008

DATE: 30 June 2020

For Dealer Reference: Service Bulletin # SVV2020-012

Light Relocation, Reflector, Conspicuity Tape and Rear Extension Installation Kit

CAMPAIGN TYPE:	Mandatory-Product Safety
CAMPAIGN CATEGORY:	Kit and Bulletin

 

MACHINE / ATTACHMENT MODEL (S) :	Serial Numbers
	Included		Excluded	Kit Version
CSGT	See attached listing on pages 18–19 of this Kit Instructions for specific VIN and Serial/Unit numbers		N/A	VVK01
CS873GT
CS870GT
CS870DT
CS800GT
CS573GT
CS570GT
CS500DT
CS1273GT	See attached listing on Page 19 of this Kit Instructions for specific VIN and Serial/Unit numbers		N/A	VVK02
CS1270SGT
CS1270GT

 

PRODUCT SAFETY ALERT

 

PURPOSE: INADEQUATE LIGHTING, REFLECTORS, CONSPICUTITY TAPE, AND REAR EXTENSION The lighting, side and rear reflectors and conspicuity tape do not meet US or Canada Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS/CMVSS) governmental regulation 108 for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The trailers may not have an extended lower rear chassis, reducing rear impact protection and does not meet US or Canada Federal Motor Vehicle Standard (FMVSS/CMVSS) government regulation 223 for the United States, Canada and Mexico. When towing or parking the vacuum excavator on public roadways, a crash may occur resulting in death or serious injury resulting from a driver(s) of other vehicle(s) not seeing the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, vehicle lights will be relocated, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added. In the event of a rear impact crash, the other vehicle may travel under the rear of the vacuum excavator, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to someone in the other vehicle or to the towing vehicle occupants.  Property or equipment damage may also occur.

 

Shutdown Procedure

STOPPING THE MACHINE

For your safety and the safety of others, follow shutdown procedure before working on the machine for any reason, including servicing, maintaining, cleaning, inspecting, unclogging or transporting machine, or as otherwise directed in Operator’s manual.

 

Step 1: Make sure end of vacuum hose is clear of all spoils, debris, and other materials.

 

Step 2: Push Throttle Control left several times to slow engine.  Idle engine five minutes to allow vacuum pump (with Reverse Flow Lever – Neutral) to cool down.  This helps to prevent the buildup of condensation.

 

Step 3: Turn Keyswitch OFF to shut down engine.

 

Step 4: Drain Filter Housing.

 

PROCEDURE 1:

 

1. Select the angled bracket with the amber colored marker light. Align the bracket with the edge of the curb side fender as shown below. Ref. 1, Fig 1.

 

2. Mark the light bracket hole locations onto the fender and drill (3) Ø9/32” (7.15 mm) holes through the I-beam.

 

3. Attach the marker light bracket with the supplied hardware. Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Fig. 1.

 

4. Connect one end of the 10 ft (30 cm) length of dual core wire to the marker lamp using the butt connectors. 5 and 6, Fig. 1.

 

5. Complete all steps for the street side of the trailer.

 

PROCEDURE 2:

1. Select the angled bracket with the red colored marker light. Align the bracket with the edge of the curb side fender as shown below. Ref. 1, Fig 1.

 

2. Mark the light bracket hole locations onto the fender and drill (3) Ø9/32” (7.15 mm) holes through the I-beam.

 

3. Attach the marker light bracket with the supplied hardware. Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Fig.2.

 

4. Connect one end of the 5 ft (152.4 cm) length of dual core wire to the marker lamp using the butt connectors. 5 and 6, Fig.

 

5. Loom all exposed wires. Ref. 7, Fig1 and Ref. 7 Fig. 2.

 

6. Connect wires from the amber marker light, red marker light on the fender to the red marker light in the bumper as shown using the heat shrink butt connectors.

 

PROCEDURE 3:

1. Clean area where the conspicuity tape will be installed with light soap and water. Areas with damaged paint or heavy corrosion should be prepped, painted, and thoroughly dry before applying conspicuity tape.
2. Refer to the illustration and install the conspicuity tape in the locations shown. Ref. 1 and 2, Fig. 3.
3. Repeat for the opposite side of the trailer.

 

PROCEDURE 4: (APPLIES TO KIT VVK01 AND VVK03)

 

1. Clean area where the conspicuity tape will be installed with light soap and water. Areas with damaged paint or heavy corrosion should be prepped, painted, and thoroughly dry before applying the conspicuity tape.
2. Refer to the illustration and install each of the white conspicuity tape on the debris tank door Ref 1, Fig. 4.

 

PROCEDURE 5:

1. For units with kit VVK01, skip to set 2. For units with kit VVK02 (CS1200), use a grinder to remove 2” from the corner stiffener located under the trailer. Repeat on opposite side of trailer.

 

2. Grind off the paint and rust where the cross members provided are to be installed. Refer to the figure in Step 2.
3. Position the reinforcement members as indicated below Ref. 1 or 2 Fig. 5.

 

4. Weld the reinforcement members into place as indicated in the figures below.

 

PROCEDURE 6:

1. Ensure the debris tank is empty. Using suitable blocking, block debris tank to prevent shifting.  Debris tank weighs approximately 1,000 lb (455 kg).
2. Remove the cotter pin on both sides.
3. Push the headed pins out to be flush with the inner side of the tank hinges. Be careful not to push the pin through the hinge.

 

4. Push the headed pins out to be flush with the inner side of the tank hinges. Be careful not to push the pin through the hinge.
5. Use a suitable lifting device when installing the bumper. Bumper weight is approximately 120 lb (55 kg).
6. Inspect the tank hinges connected to the bumper. Hinges with the single hole configuration shown must be replaced.  If the hinges have a 2-hole configuration, skip to step 9.

 

7. Use a cutting torch to remove the (4) tank hinges from the bumper. Grind away residual slag.

 

8. Remove all damaged paint down to bare metal. Repaint all affected areas.
9. Install the bumper and align the bolt holes with the tank hinges.

 

10. Push the headed pins back into position and replace the cotter pins on both sides.
11. Install the hardware Ref. 3, 4, and 5 Figure 6. Tighten the bolts to 644 ft-lb (873 Nm).

 

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		FIGURE 1 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VVK01 QTY.	VVK02 QTY
1	135500266	MARKER LIGHT BRACKET	2	2
2	P-4190	LED MARKER LIGHT, AMBER	2	2
3	P-1473	1/4-20 X 1 HEX HEAD BOLT	6	6
4	P-1472	1/4 ID FLAT WASHER	6	6
5	P-2782	1/4-20 NYLON LOCKNUT	6	6
6	P-1054	10’ (304.8 cm) LENGTH DUAL CORE CONDUCTOR WIRE	2	2
7	P-2762	1/2″ SPLIT WIRE LOOM, 10’ (304.8 cm) LENGTH	1	1
8	P-2369	16-14 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR BLUE	4	4
9	P-1301	ZIP TIE	12	12

 

		FIGURE 2 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VVK01 QTY.	VVK02 QTY.
1	135500266	MARKER LIGHT BRACKET	2	2
2	P-4189	LED MARKER LIGHT, RED	2	2
3	P-1473	1/4-20 X 1 HEX HEAD BOLT	6	6
4	P-1472	1/4 ID FLAT WASHER	6	6
5	P-2782	1/4-20 NYLON LOCKNUT	6	6
6	P-1054	5’ (152.4 cm) LENGTH DUAL CORE CONDUCTOR WIRE	2	2
7	P-2762	1/2″ SPLIT WIRE LOOM, 5’ (152.4 cm) LENGTH	1	1
8	P-2369	16-14 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR BLUE	4	4
9	P-1301	ZIP TIE	12	12
10	135500217	12-10 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR	4	4

 

		FIGURE 3 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VVK01 QTY.	VVK02 QTY.
1	P-0485	2” (2.54 cm) WIDE, 90” (228.6 cm) LONG CONSPICUITY TAPE	2	2
2	P-0485	2” (2.5 cm) WIDE, 54”(137.2 cm) LONG CONSPICUITY TAPE	2	2

 

		FIGURE 4 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VVK01 QTY.	VVK02 QTY.
1	P-5783	WHITE CONSPICUITY TAPE, 12” LENGTH	4	4

 

		FIGURE 5 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VVK01 QTY.	VVK02 QTY.
1	135500310	REINF. MEMBER	2	0
2	135500311	REINF. MEMBER	0	2

 

		FIGURE 8 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VVK01 QTY.	VVK02 QTY.
1	135500268	REAR EXTENSION	1	0
2	135500267	REAR EXTENSION	0	1
A	SA-4471	HEADED PIN (EXISTING ON TRAILER)	2	2
3	135500218	1-8 X 6-1/2 HEX BOLT	2	2
4	P-3827	1 ID FLAT WASHER	4	4
5	P-2626	1-8 PREVAILING TORQUE NUT	2	2
6	135500216	TANK HINGE BRACKET	4	4

 

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40 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
VAC-TRON	CS 1270 GT	2016-2020
VAC-TRON	CS 1270 SGT	2016-2020
VAC-TRON	CS 1273 GT	2016-2020
VAC-TRON	CS 500 DT	2016-2020
VAC-TRON	CS 570 GT	2016-2020
VAC-TRON	CS 573 GT	2016-2020
VAC-TRON	CS 800 DT	2016-2020
VAC-TRON	CS 800 GT	2016-2020

 

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9 Associated Documents

Non-Compliance Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V292-5135.PDF 217.449KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V292-3283.pdf 245.439KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document- BEFORE AND AFTER

RMISC-20V292-2126.pdf 531.478KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V292-7834.pdf 2332.726KB

 

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Safety Bulletin

RCSB-20V292-1999.pdf 1224.089KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V292-9770.PDF 211.241KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V292-3582.PDF 211.137KB

 

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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V292-2406.pdf 224.239KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V292-8418.PDF 211.331KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V292&docType=RCL

 

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