Robotow First Impressions

[Piloto]

I just got my Robotow Electric Tow Bar today. It works great, I am very happy with it. I have an incline on the hangar ramp that made me breath heavy when pushing my M20J with 100 gals into the hangar with the regular tow bar. Sometimes the plane wiould get stuck on the door tracks and I had to call for help. With the Robotow it was a breeze even when I stopped at the tracks and then resume, no hard breathing or pushing. With the Robotow I am able to walk straight up and be insight of the horizontal stabilator. Very important when you have a T-hangar.

The Robotow is very well designed and made. It is very rugged construction with atenttion to details. Unlike the gasoline type the Robotow is small, lightweight and easy to steer. There is no need to lift it for sterring. You just turn the bar sideway just like the regular towbar. The handle has a variable speed trigger switch for fine control. The unit couples to the nosewheel in the same way as the regular tow bar, but the pin goes all the way thru with a latch at the opposite end. The traction shaft couple to the nose tire without slipping as long you keep a downward force on the handle.

The unit weights about 30 pounds, wish it was lighter. Unlike the gas types you hand carry the unit. But I found this to be more convenient and quicker than dragging the gas type over the grass patch. You can carry the unit in the baggage compartment but I would rather not, you are taking a chance of scratching the plane paint.

For anyone over 60 this is a must. Wish it was covered by Medicare. I got mine direct from the factory www.robotw.com in a week via UPS Ground. Paid $1248, cheaper than one day at the emergency room. You can see a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7bRnYvPZ0Y. Strongly recommend it.

José

 

[Guest Anonymous]

What type of adapter did you order to mate it with the Mooney?  I tried to get one a few years back for my previous airplane and they did not offer an adapter for Mooneys at that time.

Thanks,

RFB

 

[GeorgePerry]

1200 bucks...ouch!

About a year ago I was in the market for a tug.  I looked at all the "new" options and just couldn't bring myself to spending over $1200 for what amounts to an overpriced cordless drill or lawnmower.

I decided to pursue an alternate means of aquiring a suitable towing device

I found a EZ tow frame with a bad engine on craigs list for $100.  Purchased it along with a new "scratch and dent"  honda 6hp engine for $125.  http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com.  I spent another $85 for the Mooney adaptor kit from EZ tow and a new drive belt.  For about $300 bucks I've got a brand new EZ tow and saved about a grand.  It starts first pull every time and runs nicely on the 100LL fuel I drain out of my tanks during pre-flight.

[Cruiser]

I too have the EZ tow w/Mooney adapter bars. I find the tow point being up high above the wheel makes the tug want to roll instead of turning the nose wheel. It works best when I lift the tug off the ground and turn the nose wheel then put the tug back down. Other than that, it is very manuverable and easy to control.

[Piloto]

Quote: SagemGuy

What type of adapter did you order to mate it with the Mooney?  I tried to get one a few years back for my previous airplane and they did not offer an adapter for Mooneys at that time.

Thanks,

RFB

 

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: Cruiser

I too have the EZ tow w/Mooney adapter bars. I find the tow point being up high above the wheel makes the tug want to roll instead of turning the nose wheel. It works best when I lift the tug off the ground and turn the nose wheel then put the tug back down. Other than that, it is very manuverable and easy to control.