Cessna 182 tug for use on grass?

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Johnbo

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Johnbo
I’m looking for suggestions on tugs and equipment that would be able to move a Cessna 182 in and out of an open hangar and around the field which is grass. Electricity is available; just not pavement!

thx
 
Man, we use a pretty cheap maintenance golf cart to move a 5000 lb PAC 750. Should do super easily, and has advantage of being the get around the field vehicle.

Surprisingly, very good slow speed control, also use it for the 182. Have to position these birds pretty precisely, we use a tow bar that’s about 7’ overall, it just does really well. Great for unimproved places. We chase down cut away parachutes in fields as well....

By cheap Maint golf cart, it’s just a regular golf cart with a bed rather than bag holder. Gas powered, not pure electric.

One more thing, simple 2” ball front and back, can push or pull. Tow bar has ring, just sets down over.
 
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I'd skip all that and go directly to an ATV. Check out your local craigslist ads.
 
If you look at the price of tugs then compare that to the cost of an older used lawn tractor, I think you can find something acceptable for about 1/2 the price. I found a Bolens 12G on ebay for $400. I found a JD L110 on Craigslist for $350. If you look around you'll find something.
 
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Where are you located? Golf cart or lawn tractor would probably be helpless with any snow or ice. I'd go for the ATV.
 
You guys think a 2wd kids ATV (100-150cc) would be better than a typical old residential riding lawn mower?
 
Johnbo said:
You guys think a 2wd kids ATV (100-150cc) would be better than a typical old residential riding lawn mower?
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The question isn't which is better, the question is what will work, and what can you get at a reasonable price. Are you going to pull your airplane over snow and ice? I wouldn't but to each his own. You could put a front mounted extended ball on a 4WD pickup, it would be powerful enough to pull your airplane apart but if you are careful and already own the truck it can be done pretty cheap and it would definitely work. There are lots of options if you put your mind to it.
 
Jim Carpenter said:
lawn tractor would probably be helpless with any snow or ice.
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I used to push a fair amount of snow with a cheap 10 horse MTD lawn tractor from Montgomery Wards - just needed homemade chains and weights. The biggest problem is that the blade could overwhelm the steering. But that was here in Michigan - not some place like Texas...
 
I’m in NC, no one here can drive if snow is even forecast so there won’t be any snow flying; heck if it is below 45F we usually just wait a day and fly when it’s warmer. The biggest issue with putting power to the ground will be wet grass and slight inclines.
 
Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe said:
I used to push a fair amount of snow with a cheap 10 horse MTD lawn tractor from Montgomery Wards - just needed homemade chains and weights. The biggest problem is that the blade could overwhelm the steering. But that was here in Michigan - not some place like Texas...
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Montgomery who?

I recall an outdoor display of busts of famous retailers in Chicago, maybe near the Merchandise Mart?? IIRC Montgomery and Ward were there.
 
At least the ATV or golf cart could be useful for making runs to the FBO or similar. Lawn tractor tug is kind of a one-trick pony.
 
SoonerAviator said:
At least the ATV or golf cart could be useful for making runs to the FBO or similar. Lawn tractor tug is kind of a one-trick pony.
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The nearest FBO is 18 miles away! That’s a long way on a golf cart! Hahah
 
Note that a ball in front and back is a good idea.

However; backing the aircraft can be difficult.

There are Steering Stops to consider.

Failure to observe them can get $$$$.
 
Johnbo said:
You guys think a 2wd kids ATV (100-150cc) would be better than a typical old residential riding lawn mower?
Click to expand...

A 100 cc toy ATV engine isn't going to move a 3,000 lb airplane on wet grass.
 
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