Vehicle recall 19V490000 · June 25, 2019

2018-2019 Charles Machine Ditch Witch

The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: Charles Machine Works Inc (Charles Machine) is recalling certain 2018 Ditch Witch VT17, 2018-2019 VT20 and VT24 trailers. The lock nuts that attach the hitch to the trailer may be insufficient to clamp the load after the hitch height has been adjusted.
Consequence: Without a sufficient clamp load, the hitch may unexpectedly detach from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Charles Machine has notified owners, and will provide new hardware, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2019. Owners may contact Charles Machine customer service at 1-800-654-6481. Charles Machine's number for this recall is ID0568989.
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.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 19V490000
Reported to NHTSA: June 25, 2019
Filed by: Charles Machine Works Inc
Manufacturer campaign: ID0568989
Owner notification: June 28, 2019
Vehicles potentially affected: 290
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Trailer hitches

Recall 19V490000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Charles Machine Ditch Witch (2018-2019): 2019, 2018

Has your Charles Machine been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Charles Machine dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.