# Altec DC1317 Common Problems & What to Check | Chipper Risk

> Altec DC1317: documented problems include feed-chute sliders and bearing over-greasing. OEM part prices and what to inspect before you buy used.

**Verdict:** inspect

Used pricing varies; see sources. Biggest documented cost risk: radiator damage from jackknifing the tow, about $1,300 plus shipping from Altec. Buy only after inspection.

**Documented failure risks:**
- Feed-chute sliders: Feed-chute plastic sliders: wear item, "thousands of hours" typical life
- Bearing over-greasing: Bearing over-greasing: the same servicing tech explicitly warns against
- Wheel-hub bearings: Wheel-hub bearing heat: tech also warns against over-packing the wheel
- Radiator repeatedly destroyed by jackknifing the tow: The towed DC1317 radiator sits where a jackknife smashes it, an owner: "for the third time in 3 years someone jackknifed one of my chippers and busted the radiator. It's 1300 or so direct from altec plus shipping." ~$1,300 + shipping from Altec (or a local radiator-shop rebuild). Train operators on backing/turning.
- Tachometer/hour gauge dead + engine dies on key release: A DC1317 owner: "my tachometer/hour gage wont come on... If i continue to hold the key in the on position the engine runs but when i left off it shuts down." Points at the ignition/Murphy-switch wiring + gauge circuit, a used-unit electrical gremlin to check.

## Sources
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2baBBfqE2s) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [machinio.com](https://www.machinio.com/altec/dc1317/wood-chippers) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quMpH2gbbhE) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn5AkDC9Gkg) (accessed 2026-08-19)
- [Altec DC1317 parts thread: radiator + tach failures](https://arboristsite.com/threads/used-altec-dc1317-chipper-parts.353090/) — "for the third time in 3 years someone jackknifed one of my chippers and busted the radiator. It's 1300 or so direct from altec plus shipping I'm having it rebuilt from the local radiator shop but it takes a while." (accessed 2026-09-12)
- [Compatible chipper knife 451-BAN-7254375|13 (DC1317): $53.86 (aftermarket)](https://americancuttingedge.com/altec-model-dc1317-compatible-brush-chipper-knife-451-ban-7254375-13) — "451-BAN-7254375|13, "Altec Model DC1317 Compatible Brush Chipper Knife", $53.86 — aftermarket Modified A8 steel (not genuine OEM)." (accessed 2026-09-12)

_Last verified 2026-09-12. Source: Chipper Risk — https://chipperrisk.com/chippers/altec-dc1317/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._