WTB: Tug

[CaptRJM]

I'm not getting any younger and moving the Mooney around by hand is getting harder.  I'm looking to buy either a Minimax or Redline Sidewinder Tug to carry with me.  28 volt models preferred.

[N601RX]

Same here, the Mooney is almost 50 now and it doesn't move as easy as it once did when younger.

[duke]

I have the sidewinder and like it. 

[fantom]

I've got a Aero-Tow collecting dust in the garage. New 12v battery. $500 to the first buyer who shows up to pick it up.

[Jerry 5TJ]

The SuperTow III works well with the Mooney.  I like that the cradle lets you turn the tug without turning the nose wheel.   It may be overkill at times. 

[FlyDave]

The SuperTow III works well with the Mooney.  I like that the cradle lets you turn the tug without turning the nose wheel.   It may be overkill at times. 

 

I dunno....Looks like a big tow and hangar for a Mooney. I'll bet a Meridian would fit in the hangar and the tug would pull it just fine.

[LANCECASPER]

I tried the Minimax and it was a bad experience. I stopped by the booth at Sun and Fun last April.  He advertises that the Ovation (and I would guess all long bodies) needs the Milwaukee Drill upgrade, at the time I had a K model so naturally the mid body should be fine with the DeWalt, as he verified in person. A couple of months later I order it and there is no way this thing has enough power to move the M20K. I call him and he says I should have ordered the Milwaukee version but maybe he sent me the wrong bottom geared unit. I take pictures, go back and forth and finally he agrees to take it back. I paid shipping both directions which i consider tuition. What did I learn from this education? I learned never to do business with him again.  

 

I have heard good things about the Sidewinder but have never tried one.

[Piloto]

I have the 28V RoboTow and I am very happy with it. I added wheels to dragged it instead of carrying it. It can fold and be carried in the baggage area. The problem carrying it is that it takes baggage space and is a little cumbersome taking it in and out. It will easily tow in a fully fueled Bravo over the hangar door tracks.

 

José

[CaptRJM]

Sorry about your bad experience with Minimax.  I spoke with them at SnF and they recommended the Milwaukee version.  After I found a used Dewalt version about a month ago, I called them to ask if it would handle a fully fueled 231 and they said it wouldn't.  It is unfortunate that your experience is totally the opposite.

 

It seems that anything later than a 201 really needs 28 volts in the drill powered tugs.

[HRM]

I'm not getting any younger and moving the Mooney around by hand is getting harder.  I'm looking to buy either a Minimax or Redline Sidewinder Tug to carry with me.  28 volt models preferred.

 

I am interested in the Minimax as well. My E is a sweet little svelte honey up against a hulking long body.

[LANCECASPER]

Sorry about your bad experience with Minimax.  I spoke with them at SnF and they recommended the Milwaukee version.  After I found a used Dewalt version about a month ago, I called them to ask if it would handle a fully fueled 231 and they said it wouldn't.  It is unfortunate that your experience is totally the opposite.

 

It seems that anything later than a 201 really needs 28 volts in the drill powered tugs.

 

I think my experience and others who had similar experiences is why his website now only shows the 28v  model for Mooneys. It used to recommend the lower priced one but then say that Ovations needed the 28v model.

 

Before, their strategy was to show a low price on the DeWalt to look good against the other brands in that price range, but in reality if you are going to spend the money to buy a 28v Minimax, just get a Redline Sidewinder - looks like a better engineered product. 

 

https://www.redlineaviation.com/mooney/sidewinder-mooney-airplanes/

[David Mazer]

Where might you be located?  I have a tug I purchased and used for several years but don't need anymore since I sold the plane.  If you are in the mid FL area it might be worth your drive to come get mine for a reasonable price, say $125.  If your interested, I'll see if I have pictures but it isn't the portable type.  This has a full lawnmower engine on it (4 or 5 hp I believe).

[Bob_Belville]

The nose dragger dragger is perfect for a Mooney. I was able to buy a used one from a guy on the field who had sold his plane. The 24V battery was kaput so I use two old 12 V. in series. A charge lasts for several months.

 

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/fb/towbars_nosedragger/heavyDutydragger.php

[TWinter]

Another vote on for the Sidewinder. Easy to use on the Mooney and light-weight. You can also take it with you in the plane.

[CaptRJM]

Thanks for all the information.  I'm really only looking for a portable unit.  I have a golf cart that I use when at my home base.

[Compass]

I have the Redline portable tug available for the mooney for $1675.00  http://www.compassaircraft.com/portfolio/cirrus-eclipse-mooney-sidewinder-aircraft-tow-bar/

 

This is indeed the very best unit - light, portable, and will make moving your plane a breeze.

 

Thanks,

 

Nathan Kanagy

316-685-5588