I'm in a hangar (Wolf Lake, Alaska) with two 182s and a 185. For years we've just manhandled the airplanes around, but the young muscles (sons) are flying the coop and we need more "power tools." I tried fabricating a ball hitch onto the snow thrower which works okay, but it's a bit cumbersome.

The options I'm considering:
Best Tugs B4
Best Tugs A2/3
AC TrackTech T1V2 (remote tugbot)

They're all priced about the same, I'd just like to hear any real world experience with these on a slight uphill asphalt approach to the hangar, especially in winter conditions.

Discuss....

I’ve used the AC T1V2 tug for three years. Awesome product and outstanding customer service.

Used it on everything from 185 to Super Cubs to a Stearman even a TBM. Works GTEAT!

Another vote for the T1V2. I’ve had mine for 6 years and absolutely love it, it’s a complete game changer. My neighbor has a Best tug and he likes it. For me, the remote steering of the T1V2 makes it the clear winner. Agree with Ted, the customer service is outstanding.
Mike

Thanks guys. I’m leaning toward the T1V2, but I’m just a little leary of how it will perform on asphalt with compacted snow/ice. I could probably give the plane a little shove to get it started, I guess!

Ah just throw on a set of chains.

I suspect those tracks will do better on some snow than the tires on the Best Tugs. I watched a guy move a Widgeon around with one one day, and was sold....Except for the price, of course.

Rubber on ice/snowpack is not a good combination. As soon as the rubber tire or track spins it creates a slick area under the tread. More the spin the slicker it gets. I have rubber track loaders and wheel loaders on our farm, none of them will make it back up our road when snow covered. Chains are the only safe and approved solution. I suspect you will find the same. I learned this lesson 30 years ago when I bought my first rubber track snowblower in Fairbanks. It was near useless, tires with chains were much better. Just my .02

TR

T1V2 for nearly 6 yrs. Tugged T210N on ice no problem; but, my ramp is pretty flat. Pushed snow with it a little-not much ground clearance. Use the remote most of the time parking two planes in the hangar and placing one plane75 ft out on the ramp to get other plane around. I'm starting to feel like battery may be getting slightly weak-still works OK.

Ive had great luck with my PowerTow in various configurations. Winter in Indiana with north facing hangar and slight uphill required chains. I've used it on a 185, A-36, and B-58. It has worked for me at all times quite nicely.

JC