Smeal Aerial (Smeal) – Waterway Trolley Risk (2021)
Mishandling the ladder's modes simultaneously can break locking tabs, potentially causing the waterway trolley to drop.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Product
2012 SMEAL AERIAL
Brand
SMEAL
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in NHTSA notice. Check official source for details.
Products Sold
Model Year 2012
Smeal Holding, LLC is recalling certain 2012 SMEAL AERIAL vehicles due to equipment:mechanical:boom/crane/ladder issues. A damaged positional waterway trolley can become disconnected from the ladder and drop to the ground, increasing the risk of injury or death..
Summary derived from NHTSA notice
Reason for Recall
As stated by NHTSA
Smeal Holding, LLC (Smeal) is recalling certain 2009-2020 Aerial Fire Apparatus vehicles equipped with a positional waterway trolley. If the operator attempts to both extend the ladder, and shift from one mode to the other at the same time, the locking tabs can be broken off the locking arms.
Reported concern (NHTSA)
A damaged positional waterway trolley can become disconnected from the ladder and drop to the ground, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Recommended Action
Per NHTSA guidance
Smeal will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the proximity switches for those units equipped with a positional waterway mode shift timer interlock system, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2021. Owners may contact Smeal customer service at 1-800-867-6478.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) directly.
View official NHTSA recall noticePage updated: Jan 10, 2026