Who uses a motorized tug?
 

I find myself unable to effectively move my 337 by myself. My hangar requires a 180 degree "Y" turn to get out. The concrete is slightly slanted away from the hangar for drainage, but that little bit of incline/decline makes it hard to move the plane. I usually have my son with me (plays high school football) who makes it easy, but when I'm alone I could sure use some type of electric or gas tug. There are so many different designs on the market. What do you guys use?

On another note, where do you push? Wing Struts? Nose cowling? Prop? Lower part of horizontal stabilizer? We've been using the strut but I'm worried we're gonna crack the cover.

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.

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!

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.

40 EZ Aircraft Tug
 

40 EZ Aircraft Tug

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

I use an AC Air Technology T1X2 https://acairtechnology.com/products...ustable-cradle — I love it. Remote control allows me to walk around the airplane as I shoehorn it into the barely big enough T-hangar. I can even walk behind and see how close the wings are getting the Ts. Plus it’s just fun to have a remote control robot :)

-Bjorn

I built a ramp with a 4 " slope I unchalk the plane and roll it out then winch it back in

Here is a link to my set up with pictures and explanation

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2872...6898827409560/

Frank

I found a used Lathan Manufacturing Co. "Areo-Tractor" Gasoline
Powered Tractor for pulling industrial material carts that was converted to an aircraft tug. It was in miserable shape. I removed the motor, hydro-static drive and the hydraulic jack. Changed it over to two electric motors, speed controller, added an electric hydraulic jack to lift the nose wheel and added lights. Works great. Bought most of the components off of Amazon and eBay. The Concord batteries were not airworthy for aircraft, so I opened them up and refilled the distilled water, and reconditioned them using a HFT charger. I have added two of those chargers to the tug permanently to recharge the batteries after use.

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

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.

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!

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.

That, sir, is awesome!

Who uses a motorized tug?
 

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

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! :D

Sidewinder
 

Guys and gals,

I just got the Redline Aviation's Sidewinder for the 337G. I love it! It is light and can fit under the bench seat. It is quick and simple to connect, I calculated that a battery charge will pull about 12-1500 feet.

I am "pretty" in shape but I have been getting some body strains that have been lingering after I move the bird. These units are a little pricey but it is cheaper than muscle issues.....

Paul

Who uses a motorized tug?
 

MSHAC. Yep I certainly got lucky with my purchase for $100+ about $45 for the new drive tire. I hope you are lucky in the near future!
Regards, BILLS

Electric golf cart best. Look for good used one. Pintle hook on front and universal tow bar. Produces 100% torque at almost zero rpm. Batteries weigh it down so wheels don’t spin. You can inch your bird in at a crawl preventing hanger rash.

A plus: you can zip around the airport.