Tow Bar for riding mower tug

Polish Pilot

Polish Pilot

Filing Flight Plan
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Jan 4, 2017
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PolishPilot
I have a Cessna XP and wondering what ideas some of you may have about the connection from the front of the riding mower (17.5hp Craftsman) to the nose wheel. It appears that a ball and socket is too easy to get into a reverse angle very quickly. I think I need more weight on the front of the tractor for one thing. If any of you have a similar set up, I would really appreciate your advice.

I could put a ball on the back of tractor for pulling the plane out of the hangar. But pushing it in is very difficult; if not impossible. I have not tried backing the plane in; but that would not be too easy either.

Trying to avoid +/- $2000 for a tug. I have a tow bar that has been made to work with the front wheel pant on. Would like to convert that tow bar if possible.

Thanks,
Jim
 
Longer arm. I took my towbar, cut the connecting end off, inserted and welded into 1.25" pipe x 7' long, and ball and hitched the other end. 3' is too short.
 
EdFred said:
Longer arm. I took my towbar, cut the connecting end off, inserted and welded into 1.25" pipe x 7' long, and ball and hitched the other end. 3' is too short.
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Thanks for the reply. Tow bar is about 6' . I think more weight on front wheels will help. Going to try it. I have noticed when I get to a certain angle the front ends seems to jump sideways.
 

I have a ball on the front. That is what I use, but front end doesn't seem to have traction enough. I'm going to try some extra weight up front. I reach a certain angle and front wheels seem to slide.
 
Google lawnmower tug. Plenty of results from BeechTalk, Mooneyspace and the other usual suspects.
 
Polish Pilot said:
I have a ball on the front. That is what I use, but front end doesn't seem to have traction enough. I'm going to try some extra weight up front.
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Ok, Now I understand.

Is the connection to the lawn mower higher or lower than the connection to the nose gear.??
 
You seem to be overthinking this. Pintle hitch on the front of a golf cart is what most folks I know use. Don't see why that would not work for you with your tractor.
 
alfadog said:
You seem to be overthinking this. Pintle hitch on the front of a golf cart is what most folks I know use. Don't see why that would not work for you with your tractor.
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Pintle or ball hitch about the same, but good idea, also. For some reason front wheel traction is less than effective. That's why I will add weight and see it it helps. I will post a reply when I find out.
 
My tow tractor is a Murry mower. My tow bar is two pieces so I made a piece attached to the mower to substitute for the upper half. I only tow my plane with it. Then I detach and push it into final place.
 
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