I've been looking for a reasonably priced used Maule MX7-180c for a while. This is the model with metal spring landing gear with the wider stance than the oleo struts on the 180a model. Has anybody ever converted from the oleo struts to the metal spring gear? I'm just wondering if it is economically viable to buy a good used MX7-180a and convert it, or if the conversion would be too costly? I can continue to shop and pray, but would prefer a speedier option.

I got my tailwheel endorsement in a 7KCAB Citabria and I was partners in a Pitts S2A for several years, but I've been away from taildraggers for a while. I'll need to get current before I buy my next toy, but tailwheel rides aren't easy to find in the DC area. Any suggestions on that front?

I don't know a thing about the gear issue you're concerned about, but there's a fundamental rule in airplane purchasing: Try to find one already equipped the way you want it, because that's nearly always a whole lot less expensive than converting it. That's true whether it's an engine upgrade, an avionics upgrade, a TW conversion, auxiliary tankage, or almost anything else that significantly changes the airplane from stock.

Cary

The spring gear is like 70 pounds heaver and doesn't smooth the bumps as good as oleo. Better in a ground loop I guess.

G'Day

Get in touch with Jeremy who posts on this site as "Maules". He is THE Maule expert.

MTV

I personally would not want the spring gear but the problem with converting is it has a whole different attachment and would not be a bolt on. It requires welding of additional support, as already stated the end result adds weight (I am not sure what the payoff would be in speed but it can't be much).

Greg

I'll defer to Jeremy, but from what I know it is not generally possible to swap gear types in the Maule...if it was, I'd seriously consider swapping Wup's HD gear for the spring gear on my 260C...although as Greg said, with a little bit of welding, I suppose anything is possible

I believe there is a Citabria at VKX available for instruction if you need it...

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I'll continue looking for one that has the spring gear already in place, or I'll get over my preference and settle for the oleo struts.

Flyhound aka Gary

wups heavy duty wide gear isn't much different than the spring gear from what I remember...

The "Kit" from Maule to switch from Oleo to Spring and visa versa is part 1) New Fuselage.....


Don't go there, If you want one or the other get what you want. Our HD Ext gear is only a couple inches wider than stock the "Wide" Gear is 7 ft. 10 in
Oleo gear is 6 ft