was just wondering if anybody has used a taildragger towbar. such as the tail dragger dragger . The reason I ask is because I own a taylorcraft and when the grass in front of my hangar becomes soft it is nearly impossible for me to get the plane in the hangar by myself was just wondering, what everybody used, my biggest fear is buying something that either doesn't work. Or that comes loose, and I end up putting a hole in my rudder etc . Would love to hear everybody's opinion etc..

Shawn

My mechanic uses one on his 39 T-Crate

Taildragger dragger,

I bought one years ago for my Skybolt and Maule. They work great. Just fits around the tailwheel, lifts the tailwheel and away you go, steering as you move. It was maybe $150.00 back then.

Be carefull pulling hard backward if on a painted hanger floor. The Maule is pretty heavy and once while heaving backward.....both feet went out from under me and I slammed the back of my head into the concrete!. Was dazed for a moment.

I was wearing slick soled leather boots. Since then....I make sure I am wearing sneekers or something with good grip.

Bob

Where does one find this device you speak of? I just bought this baby, specifically for Scott tailwheels, only $45:



It works well but it needs a stronger spring, especially when pushing.

1SeventyZ wrote:Where does one find this device you speak of? I just bought this baby, specifically for Scott tailwheels, only $45:



It works well but it needs a stronger spring, especially when pushing.

I have that one too Zane. It does need a stronger spring as it comes off when pushing. It also comes off occasionally when pulling the Maule back into the hangar. I never put full back pull on it as it has almost put me on my ass letting go a couple of times. Also the pin has a tendency to get lost in the plane now and then... Gotta put a wire on it so it doesn't get lost....

iceman wrote: Also the pin has a tendency to get lost in the plane now and then... Gotta put a wire on it so it doesn't get lost....

I drilled a second hole farther up the shaft so I can collapse the handle down into the fork and re-insert the pin into the 2nd hole for a more tidy package.

My Bogi bar has been through a couple different planes now and I agree with JmGt

Call WuP dont forget to order new Bushwheels while your at it

Shawn,

I have used both the taildragger dragger and the tow bar that clips onto the tailwheel directly. Both worked fine. But on larger aircraft it takes some strength to both pick up and pull the aircraft with the taildragger dragger. It worked like a charm on the 7GCBC but on the heavier 8GCBC Scout its significantly more difficult. In addition the smaller bar can be carried in the aircraft, the taildragger dragger cannot. I think if I had to buy one again I would opt for the design that clips directly onto the tailwheel.

One suggestion. Don't buy the gas or electric taildragger dragger. Its just not engineered very well.

Tom
N310WA

I have a different set up
http://www.dragger.com/tdd.html
The wheel is cradled between 2 bars, you approach the wheel from the side then pick up and push from the rear so you can control the tail wheel. But I agree this one is not mobile. Looks like jmtgt's is the way to go.

Bill,

I think you may have the same model taildragger as I (model S-1). It seems to me that the handles should point downward instead of upward? Pointing upward they are somewhat difficult to grasp and pull up to get the tailwheel off the ground. I think pointing downward they might offer a better leverage to pull up the tailwheel.

Just a thought but I have often wondered why it was designed that way.

Tom

Maule makes one that slips over the tail wheel spring. It's strong enough to hook a tug to it. It can only slip off sideways. All it is is a half inch plate with a slot cut in it and it slides over the spring.
I'll try to take a pic of it tomorrow and figure out this picture thing.

Tom,
Once you get the wheel between the 2 bars you push down and the wheel rises off the ground. This gives you steering capability forward. I only use it for forward movement and turning left or right. You can get your entire weight of your body into the push with the handles up. If there is any slope down use it to your advantage. I believe this is what the designer had in mind. If I want to park tail first I use the elevator and handles to push and steer. Although I would like to get something for travel because the S-1 model is to big for travel.
Bill

here's what I built to move my Kitfox around in the gravel driveway. With the wings folded the tail wheel weighs 175 pounds. The big tires might help on your soft grass.
http://www.sportflight.com/cgi-bin/uplo ... 1007477677

tombranton wrote:Shawn,



One suggestion. Don't buy the gas or electric taildragger dragger. Its just not engineered very well.

Tom
N310WA

Not to mention the fact that you can't use the gas or electric Dragger in the Idaho wilderness without pissing off the local Madam at Moose Creek!!!!!!!!!

Aircraftspruce.com has a cute video showing how to use the taildragger
dragger.

I have the one from Maule that hooks onto the tailwheel spring. After a
year, the mild steel hooking onto the spring bent, and pulling backward,
I have to be extremely careful not to hit the rudder and or have the towbar
slip off, sending me down hard.

I've just replaced the mild steel and now need to make sure it's
not the tailwheel spring instead of the towbar that gets damaged.

-Dick

thanks for everyone's input, I think from what I'm reading everybody pretty much prefers the towbar that snaps directly onto the tail wheel? If anyone has an argument as to why the dragger is better. Please feel free to give me your opinion. But I think I am definitely going to the Bush wheel site.

Also, I have 800s on my plane, and for those of you who don't know taylorcraft designed a handle on the side of the fuselage. That is too small for the average size hand to get a hold of. If they would have just made it a little bigger. It would have made all the difference in the world, like say something they put on a husky I really like their push handle set up, and yes I have cracked my chin on the tail of my aircraft from spinning out on the cement.

Thanks again for all the opinions.

Shawn

I know several people who have small electric winches mounted to the back wall of their hangar for this very reason. Can you imagine trying to pull a C-185 upslope into a hangar by yourself?!

Another friend of mine modified a track drive snow blower to use as a tail wheel tug. Haven't heard how that worked out though.

Phil

i do ok till the mains hit the concrete then im done

tcraft wrote:thanks for everyone's input... I think I am definitely going to the Bush wheel site.
Shawn

Funny timing- I was just thinking about maybe getting one of those standard blue tow bars, although I don't really need it for my 170 with BAS handles, it seemed worth a try though. Next thing I know, here's this thread- so I ordered a bogie bar same day- wham: just a couple days later I have it in hand, and it looks really well made. Best of all are ABW's version of packing peanuts- got a laugh out of that- great touch!

It just goes to show what a great site this is for connecting folks and what they can offer. Thanks Zane.

Here's the manufacturer of Bogi bars -- they make all sorts of stuff.

http://www.bogert-av.com/products.php