DIY gas powered tug

[Skip]

Has anybody ever made their own tug? I just completed my hangar at my private strip. It’s a sloped grassy area to and from the hangar. I like fabricating and building projects. I’m looking into clever designs to build one with all terrain tires until I can get my ramp concreted on day. Thanks all.

 

[Kansas Flyer]

We just use a lawnmower at my friends hangar on a grass strip. Same problem with the slope but kills two birds with one stone since we often need to mow the runway before we go fly.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

Yes, I tried riding mower and electric wheel chair. Ended up buying a hand operated tug for better control getting into tight spaces...I can back a trailer, but not a plane.

 

[Ted]

Just put a front mount receiver on a truck. That’s what I did and it worked great.

 

[Juliet Hotel]

Yes, I tried riding mower and electric wheel chair. Ended up buying a hand operated tug for better control getting into tight spaces...I can back a trailer, but not a plane.

Put the hitch on the front of the mower. Moving a plane with your back to it is an invitation for repair bills. Always face the plane as you move it.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

Put the hitch on the front of the mower. Moving a plane with your back to it is an invitation for repair bills. Always face the plane as you move it.

I did. I’m just admittedly stupid with 2 pivots. I gave up before damaging a quarter mil investment cuz I was too ingenious and cheap to buy a real tug, lol. I’m good at lots of things, but not everything, and didn’t want to learn the hard way.

 

[Juliet Hotel]

I did. I’m just admittedly stupid with 2 pivots. I gave up before damaging a quarter mil investment cuz I was too ingenious and cheap to buy a real tug, lol. I’m good at lots of things, but not everything, and didn’t want to learn the hard way.

Roger that. Its definitely a skill that takes time to learn and get comfortable with. I learned on 737's but those are actually easier than moving lighter stuff to be honest.

 

[EdFred]

Electric shop cart + trailer ball welded on an arm connected to trailer hitch bolted to black pipe welded to towbar. But I'm also operating off concrete/asphalt.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

Here’s my diy solution….

 

[Zeldman]

Here’s my diy solution….

Can't go wrong with the Deere..