Does anyone have tug bar like this?

[Jdm]

I’m trying to find an owners manual for my tug.
It’s called a LittleStar Thrust Tug. The company is apparently no longer in business.

 

[Hang 4]

Do you have an issue? I have one as well and understand most about how it works as well as a few things I needed to fix.

 

[Jdm]

Yeah, just a few things. It’s always worked but the pins with the T handles are jammed in place. I was able to drive one out but the pivot points are definitely not usable. I’m in the process of replacing the drill motor housing due to a crack. Figured I’d try to read up on what all this thing can really do.
The attachment that I have works on a Cessna. We have an A36 and a Cessna. I’d like to use it for both. A hanger neighbor gave me a couple of attachments that should fit for the Bonanza.
Just trying to do some research to help get it dialed in properly. Also probably needs preventative maintenance. Gear oil should probably be changed, etc.

 

[Robert Gee]

I think that's cool! Do you supply your own drill? As in could you use a 1/2", high torque, low rpm corded electric if you wanted?

 

[Jdm]

It came with a 36v Dewalt 1/2 inch drive cordless. It’s mount onto the tug. I found another (exact model) on eBay that’s in great shape. The old ones still works. Just had a cracked case from where it tipped over once. Figure I’ll swap out the drill and have the old one for parts

 

[Robert Gee]

Ok, that's already a pretty powerful drill then. Good luck with it.

 

[Hang 4]

Yeah, just a few things. It’s always worked but the pins with the T handles are jammed in place. I was able to drive one out but the pivot points are definitely not usable.
.

Does your twist grip unlock to turn? My T handles are frozen as well, but the head pivots fine with the twist grip on the handle bar. Took me a while to figure that one. I wouldn’t change the gear oil, just not that much wear. Can’t help on the adapters, I’ve got a Cherokee. The shaft that connects to the drill can work loose. The two Allen bolts that hold the chuck allow access to the shaft and you can get the chuck tight. Don’t charge the battery right after use. It gets hot and can shorten battery life if charged hot.

 

[Jdm]

My twist grip works fine. It allows it to pivot or lock depending on handle position. I’ve been keeping it locked. Seems to work better that way.
There’s also a small set of dolly wheels that attach to the back end. Seems to be more of a PIA then just leaving them off.

 

[Hang 4]

Dolly wheels are handy to move it when not attached to a plane. Also can push down for traction with a foot. Be careful when using the dolly wheels as the back of the drill is at nut level. Sudden stops can be painful.

 

[Jdm]

So what’s the deal with T handle pins?

 

[David Kagey]

Anyone happen to know the current model DeWalt drill that will fit the collar on the tug? Can't get batteries for the one I have anymore Thanks

 

[Hang 4]

This is the one @flyingron said will work.
Dewalt Drill

 

[Jdm]

Check eBay. I found a DC900 heavy duty 36V 1/2” drill driver for $50. Works well.

 

[David Kagey]

It came with a 36v Dewalt 1/2 inch drive cordless. It’s mount onto the tug. I found another (exact model) on eBay that’s in great shape. The old ones still works. Just had a cracked case from where it tipped over once. Figure I’ll swap out the drill and have the old one for parts

Two questions please. What is the model of the 36v drill driver? I have found that most of the new DeWalt's now have a different sized collar...where the tug clamp tightens on the drill.
Two, I bought mine used with no manual. Do you know what they recommend for the dial power setting on the drill.
Thanks

 

[David Kagey]

Check eBay. I found a DC900 heavy duty 36V 1/2” drill driver for $50. Works well.

Another question please. I found one on eBay, but it looks like a key chuck and not the one you turn to tighten. Does it work with the key okay? Also, can you still get original OEM batteries and not the China generic?

 

[Jdm]

see pics

 

[David Kagey]

see pics

Can you do me a favor and look at your metal collar and see what it has etched into it? As you can see from pic below, mine has 1 11/16th which appears to be the ID of the collar. Just comes loose with an allen wrench. No need to remove or disconnect the drill. My guess is that the tug people used different collars based on the drill they were selling at the time. I'v enow purchased two different drills and they are both too big for the collar of my drill. Thanks

 

[David Kagey]

This is the one @flyingron said will work.
Dewalt Drill

Got a DCD998 and no luck. The metal piece on the drill was still too large for the collar on my tug. My guess is that the tug folks just used different sized collars based on whatever drill they were using at the time they made it. Per the attached pic, the drill that fit my collar was DC987. Drill and batteries discontinued. The metal piece is just a little bit smaller.

 

[David Kagey]

I’m trying to find an owners manual for my tug.
It’s called a LittleStar Thrust Tug. The company is apparently no longer in business.

My serial number is 316. Just a few from you. Would have thought they would be pretty close in specs.

 

[Mikey52]

Have the drill chuck ground down some where it fits in. If it's just a little too big.

 

[David Kagey]

Have the drill chuck ground down some where it fits in. If it's just a little too big.

Great idea. If my collar ID is 1 11/16th, just have it ground down. Thanks...I'll talk to the machine shop.