Aircraft tug

mapasha

mapasha

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Aug 25, 2014
Messages
105
Location
Iowa
Display Name
Display name:
N1915W
Replaced my Cherokee Six with a Cessna 310 recently and realized there is no way I can move this sucker in and out of my hangar by myself without some mechanical help. Looking for suggestions/reviews on what people have experience with. Would prefer people who have twins because of the added weight of the aircraft. Something that works great for singles MIGHT not work well for the 310. Ramp weight is approximately 3400 to 4000 lbs.
Thinking of buying this but want to see what input others on PoA can provide.

https://www.redlineaviation.com/cessna/sidewinder-cessna-twin-engine-models/
 
I don't have any info but at first I thought you were the RC tug guy posting another ad.

Glad that's not the case.

Good luck!
 
I did debate whether to put a link to a product in my post.
 
It looks good in the ad!

I think buying a 4 wheeler is an option. Consider a trailer hitch on front (some of them have a factory accessory for that). Get a tow bar. It's also fun to bomb around the airport on your 4 wheeler. Keep it in the hangar. Thats what the mechanics and FBO's around here use. Thats going to be a few thousand though.

If you can push it out but not in, consider a winch mounted on a post or on the floor of the hangar. That can be done for a few hundred.
 
I second the 4-wheeler if you can get one for a few hundred. But if you can't, just go on CL and find a used mowing tractor for a few hundred dollars. Unless you have an incline, in which case you want to get something with good brakes, of course.
 
"'nose drager dragger" google it it is what i used on my 310 works great ,were you located i have mine for sale. as i sold the 310 .and the champ is easy to push
 
Mower and 4 wheeler are definitely worth looking at.
I can't move that 310 in either direction by myself. My biggest problem is a lip right where the hangar door closes and a dip in front of the hanger that's part of the drainage system.
 
hotprops said:
"'nose drager dragger" google it it is what i used on my 310 works great ,were you located i have mine for sale. as i sold the 310 .and the champ is easy to push
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I am in Eastern Iowa (KMUT).
 
o well i am in s florida but its on hell of a deal at 1/2 price
 
BigBadLou said:
I second the 4-wheeler if you can get one for a few hundred. But if you can't, just go on CL and find a used mowing tractor for a few hundred dollars. Unless you have an incline, in which case you want to get something with good brakes, of course.
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A golf cart would also work out pretty well.
 
BigBadLou said:
Matt, have we flown a PnP mission together before? You sound vaguely familiar?
(sorry for the thread derail)
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Nope, not yet anyways. I keep meaning to do a PnP mission, but every time I get a chance, something gets in the way. My new job may help with that, though... less crazy hours :)
 
mkosmo said:
Nope, not yet anyways. I keep meaning to do a PnP mission, but every time I get a chance, something gets in the way. My new job may help with that, though... less crazy hours :)
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There are a few more PnP pilots out of West Houston. I'll PM you and we can continue this conversation.
</ThreadJack> :)
 
i have a golf cart and tried a four wheeler .i use the golfcart for golf and gave the 4 wheeler to my son . if you have a huge wide door on the hangar they might work .and the cost to weld the pintal hook on the front of each vehicle and fashion how to do it can cost alot unless you are a welder .once you hit the wingtip you will realize you need something task specific.eta the thing you linked works nice for my neighbor on his bonanza .but having used it way too much friction on the nosewheel tire and i think it would be at its max on a 310 and no way to add snow-chains for ice and such btw a q or before or a r model
 
I've seen good results with electric golf carts and riding mowers, both can be had for little on Craigslist.
 
We tried a riding lawnmower with a C-310 and it was marginal. Of course it also depends on the size of the riding lawnmower.
 
BigBadLou said:
There are a few more PnP pilots out of West Houston. I'll PM you and we can continue this conversation.
</ThreadJack> :)
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Reminder to both of ya that I can be a DFW connector if needed. I'm not monitoring the General PNP board anymore, preferring to work for just a few select coordinators.
 
I'd rank a hydrostatic garden tractor (John Deere 455 or equivalent) and a 4wd ATV about equally, though a suitable used tractor might be slightly lower cost than an equally suitable 4 wheeler. Both have the benefit of being "multitaskers" with wide availability.

I have an old Deere 322 that easily handles a twin and does a good job of mowing and blowing snow around the hangar. The hydrostatic transmission allows gentle handling of the twin as well.

The little R/C tugs are amazingly useful for moving airplanes around each other in large hangars, but cost a lot and serve only one purpose. Plus, the rubber on the tracks wear out quickly on rough concrete, and replacement is pricey.
 
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