Electric Tugs

C

crumast

New member
Has anyone found a good electric taildragger tug for a 14-19? Just moved to a different hangar, and I don't think my back is going last. Tom Robinson
 
I don't have a tug, but have contemplated the options. For a taildragger the best solution depends a bit on whether it's uphill pulling the plane out of the hangar or uphill pushing it back in. If pushing the plane into the hangar is the more difficult challenge you might consider a 12V Harbor Freight winch. Secure it to the back of the hangar floor and pull the plane in with the push of a button. Another concern is how much of a step exists at the entrance to the hangar - this can be a potential for gear collapse pulling any Bellanca out of a hangar, especially a taildragger - just ask Dave Pasquale.
 
Using a hand-operated towbar attached to the tail wheel, I’ve been pushing and pulling it for decades. Not much chance of a gear collapse. Now, I need something to push it out and pull it in, so a winch by itself isn’t enough. Tom
 
Tom,
When I was on grass in NC, I had a small riding mower that I used as a tug.

I built a steel V from square tubing that attached to the horizontal portion of the gear legs and attached it like a hitch to the front of the mower. Worked like a charm because you had a small amount of directional control. I will warn you though, controlling the tail requires lots of practice.

I now have an electric winch that I use to haul it in and its a downhill slope out.

If you don't want to deal with gas, an electric golf cart would also work.

I know its popular on this forum, but after rebuilding my tailwheel and seeing how fragile the upper attach of the tailwheel shaft is, I won't tow it from the tail anymore.

-Adam
 
Just an add on to the electric winch idea.....now you can get a fob type wireless remote for the electric cable winches, so you can watch wingtips and steer as you drag plane into hangar. I grab my plane's tailwheel with the FBO's big electro tug that has a platform (for nose wheels) and a strap to hold it on, raise the little platform and pull or push. Some of the simpler gas tugs work similarly and work well. Ken
 
I’ve been using a Minimax tug for my 14-19. It’s been a few years now, with no problems. The only downside, with any of these electric tugs, is they aren’t cheap. Then, neither is back surgery. Tom Robinson
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top