Powered towbar

[Nippernaper]

From the overkill department, I bring you a homebrew powered towbar run by a cordless drill. I couldn't stomach the $1,600 for a commercial version, so built this one. It's s bit on the heavy side, but gets the job done. Wish there was somewhere to fly to these days.....

 

 

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[carusoam]

You have a winner there Nipper!

For the official CB records in the overkill department...

What was your total cost of parts..?

A good YouTube will be needed to demonstrate its use...   

Looks like your hangar elves have been hanging out Mr. Muncy’s skilled crew...

Fantastic, Bravo!

Best regards,

-a-

[Tahir K]

From the overkill department, I bring you a homebrew powered towbar run by a cordless drill. I couldn't stomach the $1,600 for a commercial version, so built this one. It's s bit on the heavy side, but gets the job done. Wish there was somewhere to fly to these days.....

 
 
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do you have any drawn out plans, list of materials, etc for this build. I'd be interested in making my own too and would love the information!

[aviatoreb]

3 hours ago, Nippernaper said:

 

From the overkill department, I bring you a homebrew powered towbar run by a cordless drill. I couldn't stomach the $1,600 for a commercial version, so built this one. It's s bit on the heavy side, but gets the job done. Wish there was somewhere to fly to these days.....

 

 

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Love it!

how much did it cost?

if you can’t fly anywhere well now at least you can take the plane for a nice walk around the airport.

[Nippernaper]

You have a winner there Nipper!
For the official CB records in the overkill department...
What was your total cost of parts..?
A good YouTube will be needed to demonstrate its use...   
Looks like your hangar elves have been hanging out Mr. Muncy’s skilled crew...
Fantastic, Bravo!
Best regards,
-a-

Not sure I know how to upload a video; I'll work on that. I think the materials ran about $450 all-in, and most if that was the drill ($200 used). Not sure I'll ever be at Don Muncy's level! His sun visors are professional grade.


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[Nippernaper]

do you have any drawn out plans, list of materials, etc for this build. I'd be interested in making my own too and would love the information!

I'll see if I can get a list together. If I had it to do over again, I think I'd downsize the steel tubes a bit. It's a little on the heavy side, although that helps hold the drive wheels against the nose wheel.


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[Nippernaper]

Love it!
how much did it cost?
if you can’t fly anywhere well now at least you can take the plane for a nice walk around the airport.

Sounds like a good personal add - "enjoy taking long walks around the airport with Mooneys...."


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[carusoam]

For videos...

Start with YouTube, and go from there...

post link here.

Best regards,

-a-

[Tahir K]

I'll see if I can get a list together. If I had it to do over again, I think I'd downsize the steel tubes a bit. It's a little on the heavy side, although that helps hold the drive wheels against the nose wheel.


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The list would be great! Also, any other pictures from different angles or a video like others have mentioned would help tremendously. Thanks

[Nippernaper]

It's been a little while, but see below for parts list:

McMaster:

Hollow-tired flat-free wheel PN 2331T11 - but almost anything would work here - x2

Steel machinable chain sprocket, 10 tooth for ANSI 35 chain, PN 6793K117 - x2

Flat sprocket, 40 tooth, PN 2299K318 - x2

ebay:

Milwaukee 2707-20 M18 hole hawg 1/2" right angle drill

onlinemetals:

1.25"x0.12" wall x 36" - definitely overkill, next time I will go with a smaller wall thickness

0.5" O1 tool steel for shafts

amazon:

10 piece bearing set, R6-2RS double sealed bearings 3/8" x 7/8" x 9/32"

Various screws, setscrews, and flat barstock to hold bearings.

I'll get more picks this weekend.

 

Edited September 17, 2020 by Nippernaper

[Stan]

Any chance of getting a few more photos?  Top and closer side views would be great.

Thanks

[carusoam]

Let’s see if @Nippernaper is cruising by... (request above)

-a-

[Nukemzzz]

He's probably working on the patents and Amazon listings for his new product!   

[Nippernaper]

I'll get some more pics this weekend and post. All open source still!


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[Nippernaper]

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[Nippernaper]

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[Bobaran]

How well does the towbar work?  Also, can you provide the dimensions of the pieces?  What does it weigh?  Thanks

Edited June 21, 2023 by Bobaran
additional question

[Fly Boomer]

7 minutes ago, Bobaran said:

How well does the towbar work?  Also, can you provide the dimensions of the pieces?  Thanks

Keep in mind, the last post in this thread was two years ago.  Also it will help if you let Nipper know you have a question.

[Nippernaper]

Tow bar is still working great.  As I said in the earlier posts, it's a bit on the heavy side.  If I were to make another one, I'd use lighter gauge square tubing (and maybe a little smaller as well).  I'll get some overall dimensions this afternoon and post.

 

[Bobaran]

Thanks!  What is the recommended lighter steel gauge and what are your recommended news sizes?.  Also how did you fix the wheels to the axle rod?  Weld, glue?  I am wondering if using aluminum instead of steel would work or be strong enough or be much of a weight savings.