I'm too old to push my 182

I'm the same situation, and unable to push a 182 up a ramp to the hangar by myself.

Bought a Best Tugs Alpha plus. Pricey, but damn nice tug! Their customer service is almost beyond outstanding. Weekends their support number rolls over to private cell phones to make sure the customer is served.

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

lighter
 
Geosync said:
I've never used one but I hear good things about the Tow Bot. You can just stand with the remote control and let it do its thing.
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I think that those are overkill for this requirement. I looked at their website - and the models offered are rated at 15,000 to 50,000 pounds. No doubt they are priced accordingly.

Dave
 
RussR said:
A client of mine has one of these remote control treaded tugs.

http://acairtechnology.com/

His is for a cabin-class twin (and therefore it probably the medium sized one), but I will say that having used it several times, it is by far the easiest method of tug I've ever used. One main reason is you don't have to worry about exceeding the nosewheel steering limits since the platform the nosewheel is on swivels. You can "zero turn radius" the airplane if you want.

They are pricey though. But oh so easy. And fun!

EDIT - I just looked and not all of the models may have that "lazy susan" feature.
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The CFI who I do my BFRs with has one of those. They are a really neat gadget.

Dave
 
I have an airport buddy much like me in that he squeaks when he walks. So he uses an older Snapper riding mower (the deck has been removed and other mods) to move his Commander 112A. Works really well. Easier to pull out than to push in all because of the steering setup with the nose wheel swivel and the swivel attachment on the front of the tractor. But if one goes slow and easy enough in low gear it was not a problem at all. In high gear it makes for a decent transport around the grounds. Some tractors convert better than others for such things.

My tail wheel airplane is pretty light and for maneuverability I use a commercial trash can dolly under the tail wheel:

81ZQTVDO0HL._AC_UY218_.jpg
 
What do folks do when they are away from the home field? Are any of these tugs light enough to load in the plane?
 
Palmpilot said:
What do folks do when they are away from the home field? Are any of these tugs light enough to load in the plane?
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My redline sidewinder is, (about 20 #) but it is still heavier than the manual towbar. So I take the manual tow bar with me and if I need to push it, I either bust my gut or get help. That help is usually my wife, but every little bit helps.
 
murphey said:
Yup...head to the website...depending on the aircraft, there's attachments for wheel pants. Or, you can invent one of your own if you have some spare heavy duty tubing and welder. Previous owner of my cherokee invented one because at the time (30-40 yrs ago) not all FBOs had widgets to tow every airplane around. I've got the photo around here someplace if you're interested.
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A pic will be great
 
Tom-D said:
For the win, modified garden tractor.
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Yup. With attachments front and rear to hook up a modified nosewheel towbar. Works great, with a little practice, even in a multi-plane hangar.
 
We've got electric winches in the hangars for all three of our club planes. The 182 got its first. I regarded that plane as a 2 person aircraft until we did as I never could push it back into the hangar by myself, even when I was almost 20 years younger than I am now. Today I even like having the winches for the 172s. Hook them up to the tail ring and push the button. Steer with the tow bar on the nose wheel. Easy, peasy.

Now, if you have a large hangar, shared with other aircraft, you'll need a different option.
 
After I had foot surgery that resulted in a partial fusion, I purchased a nosedragger tug for my Sundowner, then Deb, and now Commander. It works really nice and there are no special hook-ups. This unit moves the plane by rollers positioned in the front and back of the nose gear. The only complaint is that I need to fabricate a longer handle, which I think the newer ones now come with stock.

nosedragger.JPG tug.JPG
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
FTW, get your tire pressure back to normal
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Good point. If tire pressure is low it will make it much harder to push.
Ghery said:
We've got electric winches in the hangars for all three of our club planes.
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I seem to recall the POH for my old 172N specifically warned against using the rear tie down ring as a tow ring. Check your POH first.
 
I feel your pain....I had the same issues. An old tractor and tow bar with pintel hitch fixed it.
 

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NordicDave said:
I'm the same situation, and unable to push a 182 up a ramp to the hangar by myself.

Bought a Best Tugs Alpha plus. Pricey, but damn nice tug! Their customer service is almost beyond outstanding. Weekends their support number rolls over to private cell phones to make sure the customer is served.

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

lighter
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A Best Tug looks like the Cadillac route to me. I've been following Mike Patey's YouTube channel for awhile. Both he and his twin brother Mark appear to be a class act.

 
MacFly said:
Yup. With attachments front and rear to hook up a modified nosewheel towbar. Works great, with a little practice, even in a multi-plane hangar.
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Having zero experience with this, I'll weigh in with my expert advice. I know backing a trailer is harder than pulling it, but with a little patience and practice it should be doable. I'm thinking it's got to be doable with a riding mower.

A sit in golf cart would certainly look cooler, and you could use it as a club car to buzz around the airport, go back and forth from the FBO office, etc. and give the tower /ground fits. Have no idea if it would have enough umph to push things around. A rider mower in ultra low gear would work just great. And if not low enough, just change the size of the belt pulley or chain sprocket.

BTW - using wenches? Not sure how that would work. You might get in trouble with your wife.
 
AlphaMike said:
I keep my 182 in a large open hanger. My spot is way in the back and with full fuel (80 gal) I struggle pushing and pulling that PIG! I'm looking at electric tugs, I’ve read a bit on line about a few different brands. Does anyone have any experience with AircraftCaddy 4K Jr? or any other 12V tug? I guy at the airport has one of those drill motor deals but it’s pretty slow. I push my plane about 40 - 50 yards. Thanks for any information or advice!
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I bought a Minimax tug to push my Archer in and out of the hangar after I got tired of pushing it up a slight incline into the door. It runs about $1300 but was cheaper than most of the other types and works great for my plane. Of course your 182 is about 500 lb. heavier (empty weight) than my Piper. FYI the Minimax has 3 speeds and #2 is a perfect walking speed. I never use #3 speed since I would just about have to jog to keep up with it. I don't think it would have any problem moving your 182. Cheers:D
 
Minimax here, too. I even have a slight incline and a little hump near the hangar door. No problems getting the AA-5 in or out of the hangar, and the Minimax is easy to maneuver once you get used to it. The stock 20V drill powered version is fine for my AA-5. There is a more powerful 28V drive if you need more oomph, and I think that is the default configuration for the 182. It's rated for less than 500 feet, so 50 yards should be doable, as long as any grade is under 2%. On the faster speed settings, it will move pretty fast, but I'm usually on the lowest speed setting. It is better for pushing than pulling, but it will do both.
 
JOhnH said:
My redline sidewinder is, (about 20 #) but it is still heavier than the manual towbar. So I take the manual tow bar with me and if I need to push it, I either bust my gut or get help. That help is usually my wife, but every little bit helps.
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I am amazed at how well those things hold their value. My nextdoor hangar neighbor has one, and I have mooch rights and his hangar code. Despite this, I still contemplate the $1700 investment every so often to get one of my own. Those sidewinders are pretty great.

I am shocked at what the little robotugs cost. I'm sure they're niche, but I can't imagine what the bill of materials looks like to justify some of these 6, 8, 10 thousand dollar tugs. I keep toying with the idea of making one of my own. It's likely that I'd end up spending more than these things costs in the trial and error, so I desist... for now. :D
 
Best Tug all the way, moves my husky with 29 inch tundra tires with ease. Expensive but impressive design and function. I couldn't get my plane out of the hangar alone without it.
 
I use a RoboTow.

https://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/r...SOBD1xCMv2dTZ-mJ79xoC0jsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm unconditionally happy with this "portable electric towbar" (which is what the company calls it). In fact, at first I questioned whether I made the right choice. But: after three years I'm more or less adjusted to it, and it works for my application.

It is not good in slippery/wet/icy conditions. But I moved from one airport to another over a year ago, and I no longer have an icy patch in front of my hangar during the winter months. Plus I don't have a slight uphill grade to manage to get the airplane into the hangar. Now it seems to work pretty well.

That main advantage to it is that it starts every time without any difficulty. Otherwise, it's slow, a bit cumbersome to hook up, and unwieldy.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
FTW, get your tire pressure back to normal
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Or 5 or more PSI above book. The higher the pressure the lower the rolling resistance. Could shorten takeoff run too. The downside might be wearing the middle of the tire tread sooner compared to the edges but tires a very cheap compared to a tug, etc.
 
Me testing out my new to me tug the others day. Saw it on craigslist for a good price and pounced on it. As luck would have it, it was located at my home airport. I was assuming I would have to drive somewhere to pick it up.

Makes a world of difference. The Deb can be a bit heavy especially with full fuel.

DSC_0397-L.jpg
 
When I was looking around last year, Best Tugs had 4-5 used ones on their web site. One was their brand, the others were trade ins. I emailed for price, and they were pretty reasonable. Plus, it's hard to not want to do business with them. Their enthusiasm is unmatched.

I have a DJ products "CarCaddy" pusher for my automotive business. It is a quality product, and I can speak positively about their customer service. I assume the same applies to their plane pusher.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
I ended up purchasing this unit, used, cheap, from a hanger neighbor that was getting out of aviation. It's "okay" for my 182. I wouldn't be happy if I'd payed the $1300.00 new price though. It spins out on concrete, especially if the plane has been sitting and the tires have taken a "set". Works good on asphalt pushing slightly uphill back into my hanger though. I'm just in and out, the OP needs to go quite a bit further. For his needs, the Best or DJ style would be a lot better.
58a022f730fc5f4c48e71db14f6a1f44.jpg


Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
https://i.imgur.com/TD0vFQj.mp4

The stock scooter did fine for about two years with the 177. The n I got a welder and modified it with the intent to pull heavier aircraft and add chains or something in the wintertime.

I have yet to really try it in the winter as it seems like the airplanes are down for MX.
 
Hman442 said:
I ended up purchasing this unit, used, cheap, from a hanger neighbor that was getting out of aviation. It's "okay" for my 182. I wouldn't be happy if I'd payed the $1300.00 new price though. It spins out on concrete, especially if the plane has been sitting and the tires have taken a "set". Works good on asphalt pushing slightly uphill back into my hanger though. I'm just in and out, the OP needs to go quite a bit further. For his needs, the Best or DJ style would be a lot better.
58a022f730fc5f4c48e71db14f6a1f44.jpg


Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
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I have the tundra tire option on my A3 and they spin easily on my smooth floor. If I lean on the handle to load the tires it works better.
 
Thanks for all the advice! I ordered a Best Tug A3 this morning. From reading here and a few other places everyone who’s used the A3 seems to love it. Its not cheap but I don’t mind paying for quality.
Ill give a PIREP when it arrives (2 -3 weeks for delivery).
 
AlphaMike said:
Thanks for all the advice! I ordered a Best Tug A3 this morning. From reading here and a few other places everyone who’s used the A3 seems to love it. Its not cheap but I don’t mind paying for quality.
Ill give a PIREP when it arrives (2 -3 weeks for delivery).
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The Patey twins are a class act. I would certainly be inclined to believe that anything that either of them makes is meticulously engineered and enthusiastically supported.
 
Buy a used riding mower...use it as a tug...it will also come in handy if the grass around your hangar need mowing .
 
Pulling / pushing my plane out of the hangar by hand is part of my self assessment. When I can't do it, I will think long and hard about my fitness to fly. That said, the RC geek in me really wants one of those R/C track tugs.
 
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