I am considering buying a tug for the 180 and want to hear what might be the best option. Back story (pun intended) here is that I had Back surgery 2+ weeks ago and am grounded for a little while for the recovery. Procedure was successful but overall my Lumbar spine MRI looks like shit and I am rethinking everything for better care of my spine. Moving the airplane is only going to get more difficult getting older.

This tug is remote controlled but also expensive and heavy. I know there are other options plus might be able to pick up a used tug for a lot cheaper.

https://acairtechnology.com/products/ac-tracktech-t1v2


Josh

Dog is my Copilot wrote:I am considering buying a tug for the 180 and want to hear what might be the best option. Back story (pun intended) here is that I had Back surgery 2+ weeks ago and am grounded for a little while for the recovery. Procedure was successful but overall my Lumbar spine MRI looks like shit and I am rethinking everything for better care of my spine. Moving the airplane is only going to get more difficult getting older.

This tug is remote controlled but also expensive and heavy. I know there are other options plus might be able to pick up a used tug for a lot cheaper.

https://acairtechnology.com/products/ac-tracktech-t1v2


Josh

Hi Josh, I’ve had an AC Air tug for several years and it’s still going strong.

My situation is that I have to get a Cessna 185 and a Pitts S2B in the same t-hangar, and to do so, there is no room behind the the airplanes to get a manual towbar. The tailwheels are so close to the back wall of the hangar, there just isn’t the 5 ft or so required.

That and the 185 is a beast to haul around by hand with 20 psi in the 8.50x10 tires I have on the 185. I really needed something powered to get the job done.

The AC Air tug is low enough profile that it can come at the tailwheel from under the front of the airplane, or behind it. And there is a tailwheel kit to put on it to handle the narrow tailwheel tires. It also accommodates a baby bushwheel on the 185.

The only downside that I’ve observed is that it’s very loud when in motion. Those twin electric motors put out a lot of noise.

They are expensive, and there might be cheaper options. Given my situation I’d recommend it, however.


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Is there a reason that you can't just get it close to the hangar and then have a wench, mounted on the rear wall, to bring it in the rest of the way. This is essentially what I have to do. I can sort of man handle the plane to get it close to the hangar and then I use a wench to get it up the slight incline and into the hangar.

Slippery Wing: +1 except Husky on 31s and T210; now must re-rig tug cradle (swapped T210 for 56 1820) to hold a larger 8.00 or 8.50 NLG for 182. Even though too much $$, my back definitely needed it- worth it to me. Plus, it extends the flying fun a little longer as you put away your baby.
Jack

My hangar sits in a pretty narrow row so getting the plane lined up perfect would require me moving the tail by hand to get it lined up if I am going to use a wench. I just feel the bending and pulling motion is the activity I am trying to avoid. The AC Air unit sounds nice and likely the way I am going to go - but it would be interested in looking at all the options. The tailwheel always pushes backwards when putting it back in the hangar. When you use a tug - do you make sure the tailwheel moves back to behind the tail when pushing the plane out of the hangar.


Josh

Dog is my Copilot wrote:..... This tug is remote controlled but also expensive and heavy. I know there are other options plus might be able to pick up a used tug for a lot cheaper.
https://acairtechnology.com/products/ac-tracktech-t1v2

Best Tugs (Mike Patey) sells a similar robotic tug,
dunno how the pricing compares though.
Probably as much as the AC Air tug if not more.

https://www.besttugs.com/pages/romeo-line

WWhunter wrote:Is there a reason that you can't just get it close to the hangar and then have a wench, mounted on the rear wall, to bring it in the rest of the way. This is essentially what I have to do. I can sort of man handle the plane to get it close to the hangar and then I use a wench to get it up the slight incline and into the hangar.

In my case, the airport commission (who owns the t-hangar) won’t allow me to mount anything to the metal hangar structure.

Plus, getting the airplane in the hangar, and lined up just right to get both airplanes in the hangar, is only half the problem. You also need to be able to get the airplane out.


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WWhunter wrote:Is there a reason that you can't just get it close to the hangar and then have a wench, mounted on the rear wall, to bring it in the rest of the way. This is essentially what I have to do. I can sort of man handle the plane to get it close to the hangar and then I use a wench to get it up the slight incline and into the hangar.

So, are those Wenches pretty common in northern MN these days? Kind of a young man’s dream world if so…..

MTV

I watched a guy put his Widgeon in a hangar with one of those little tracked units. Worked amazingly well, and a Widgeon is a lot heavier than a 185.

I have a bad back. It’s uphill into my T-Hangar. I own the hangar, so installed a winch on back wall. So far, I can still muscle the plane out without assistance.

I’d sure consider one of those little tracked machines…..Back surgery is even more expensive.

MTV

I priced out the Best Tugs B8c with the gpu and under lights and trailer tow package for the 185 amphib, and my Airtractor 502 and C172…if I can’t push our j3 then I figured I have other issues. By the time I had it in Canada without a freight bill ….I added a few thousand cnd and bought two brand new Polaris 570 trail quads with winches and windshields .
I’m sure they are great tugs but holy $$.

Bkn

Take a look at the Best Tugs Alpha. That’s the tug I want. My t-hangar floor has settled making it a real challenge to get the plane in and out.

I priced a Best Tug a few months ago. It was about $4K setup for a 185 and probably worth that. I am thinking of replacing my larger and heavier 24V Aircraft caddy, which has been a great performer.

I have the best tugs A1 for a 185 standard tailwheel.

https://www.besttugs.com/pages/a-3-info-copy

Good-
-great power
-excellent speed control
-folds compact
-could even take in the plane but its easy to transport between a couple hangars I use
-as maneuverable as a towbar
-build quality
-customer service responsive, this company is worth spending a little more if you are on the fence about 2

Bad-
-when you lay off the power it coasts, they say this is to reduce strain on hardware but takes a little getting used to, it does not stop abruptly
-traction is limited by small contact patch of single small wheel, rough concrete and grass are fine, slick floor and gravel I often use my whole weight
-wait time

Ugly-
-hookup takes some practice and some balancing

Overall I give it a neutral recommendation. If you can afford to go bigger you should. In this price range with a good surface it is worth it.

Dog is my Copilot wrote:The tailwheel always pushes backwards when putting it back in the hangar. When you use a tug - do you make sure the tailwheel moves back to behind the tail when pushing the plane out of the hangar.

I do, but it’s not necessary if your tailwheel castors 360 degrees like the 185 and Pitts does.

If you look at the Best Tug Romeo option, make sure it will fit under the tail of whatever airplane you’re trying to move. They are a little taller than the AC tugs.


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I have no doubt that Best Tugs makes great stuff. That said, I refuse to do business with companies that refuse to put their prices up front and center on their web sites.

When I see that, the first thing that comes to mind is the company either believes their stuff is overpriced, or they only want to deal with people who don't care about and won't ask pricing.

MTV

I use a gas-powered 40EZ from PowerTow. I bought it for the Bonanza 12 years ago, and changed the attachment for the 185. Typical Briggs and Stratton -- starts on first or second pull. I change the oil every year or two, and the spark plug about every other oil change.

BUT, it does have a pull starter, which you might not want with a problem back. The more back-friendly alternatives from PowerTow would be the Key EZ, which is the 40EZ with a key starter, or the Thunderbolt, which is basically the same thing, but with an electric motor.

No affiliation with the company.

BeechTalk is completely enamored with the Redline Sidewinder. It's possible to get one to fit a Scott 3400, but it's heavy and you have to lift it. I had one briefly and didn't like it at all.

mtv wrote:

WWhunter wrote:Is there a reason that you can't just get it close to the hangar and then have a wench, mounted on the rear wall, to bring it in the rest of the way. This is essentially what I have to do. I can sort of man handle the plane to get it close to the hangar and then I use a wench to get it up the slight incline and into the hangar.

So, are those Wenches pretty common in northern MN these days? Kind of a young man’s dream world if so…..

MTV

LMAO!! Yes, Mike you got me there. I think there are more now then years ago!

I'm rolling my own - building with a 10" brushless dc motor kinda set up like a onewheel with a balance point to mount to my scott 3400 on the 180. I'm not sure how it will end up or the parts list - will probably need to iterate a bit to dial it in. But I figure I can do it myself for under $300 - quite a bit cheaper than a best tugs. They are engineered wonderfully it looks - but they are a lot of cabbage.

Dog is my Copilot wrote:
When you use a tug - do you make sure the tailwheel moves back to behind the tail when pushing the plane out of the hangar.

Josh

I have used a PowerTow 40 EZ for about 12 years. I've never had any maintenance problems with it. I purchased a chain for the tire to use in icy conditions. I also have a winch to pull planes into the hangar during very difficult times, usually with snow and ice underneath. I have never seen the electric version in action and I don't think it was available when I purchased my 40 EZ, but I'm sure that would get the job done.

For the PowerTow, the tailwheel must be in the correct anatomical position when pushing the plane out. But if you are using a tug to pull the plane into the hangar, the tailwheel will already be in the correct position, unlike the reverse position it will be in when pushing the plane in by hand.

mtv wrote:

WWhunter wrote:Is there a reason that you can't just get it close to the hangar and then have a wench, mounted on the rear wall, to bring it in the rest of the way. This is essentially what I have to do. I can sort of man handle the plane to get it close to the hangar and then I use a wench to get it up the slight incline and into the hangar.

So, are those Wenches pretty common in northern MN these days? Kind of a young man’s dream world if so…..

MTV

Too funny.