Who uses a motorized tug?

[JeffAxel]

I used a battery powered Power Tow when I had my T337G. It did okay but it was definitely working hard to push the plane uphill when full of fuel. Very easy to maneuver the plane though. One of the gas-powered models might be better if you have any significant incline. Bonus is you can put chains on them if you live where snow is an issue.

[Learjetter]

Here’s one idea very popular at my airport. There’s probably a dozen old riding mowers between the five group and T hangars.

I use an old riding mower and universal tow bar. Mower has a ball hitch on front and rear, so easy to pull her to the fuel pump or push her into the hangar. Find a running Craigslist mower for $200-300, drop the deck, put a ball or two on it, and get a tow bar (like a Brackett TR-34B or similar) that connects to the mower.

Also gives you a place to put drained fuel from the aircraft during preflight—into the tank of the mower! I keep a 12v battery charger\tender on the mower…so far so good!

[mshac]

I have a vintage Sears 12hp garden tractor. 1970 model. It has a ball for moving things, but when I try to use it on my 337, it just spins its tires unless the surface is perfectly flat.

[Joes]

40 EZ Aircraft Tug

[cartrm]

1943 Clarkat B. Urban legend says it will move up to 80,000lbs.

[Learjetter]

Originally Posted by cartrm

1943 Clarkat B. Urban legend says it will move up to 80,000lbs.

That, sir, is awesome!

[cessnadriver]

MSHAC-
Hello, I use an electric tow motor, which work very well. I have a 100' heavy extension cord.Some like the gas motor style, funny story, my hangar mate had one and it cost him something like $500 to replace the carb on it. I don't know the model but it sells for about $1500. I was lucky, a local pilot had one he wasn't using, and sold it it me for $100. I replace the drive tire, about $55.
Good luck!
Regards, BILLS

[mshac]

Yea, I must say these gas tugs are totally overpriced for what they are. If Harbor Freight sold them they'd be $300. I'm not paying $1500 for a glorified lawn mower. I'll wait for a good deal on a used one. Guy on CL here wants $700 for a rusted out old Power Tow 60. I offered him $300, he declined. I've read stories like you told of guys selling their tug for $100 because they sold the plane, or what have you. I need to find THAT guy!

[Dr.Dan]

Originally Posted by Joes

40 EZ Aircraft Tug

I use the powertow 40 EZ as well. Works well enough for me. Runs off the 100LL I check from the tanks during walk-around.

DD

[edasmus]

I have a gas and electric tug. Much prefer the gas tug. It’s nice to not be tethered with an extension chord but mostly the single wheel is much more maneuverable than the dual wheel electric tug. They both work though.

[mshac]

I'm loving this thread! Keep the ideas coming! I bought a 110V winch and mounted it into the concrete floor directly in front of the nose. I use it to pull the plane up the incline into the hangar. Doesn't help me getting the plane out though when I have to do the "Y" u-turn maneuver!

[GearUp]

We use a (3rd? hand) Priceless Tugs 707: http://www.pricelessaviation.com/wp-...ug-707-web.pdf

Works great, it's very maneuverable and has plenty of traction, but it's probably too much for the sub 5,000 lb. plane. It's heavy and powerful and you have to be careful to engage the hand-clutch gently, otherwise it could really shove on the nose gear.