Tow/tug to protect nose gear

[Steven B]

I've already experienced fracture of the nose gear truss because of oversteering (Im sure my fault).  Its an M20K 1981/231.  I previously owned a 1983 M20K, and never had issues.  I think the issue stared with me purchasing a new tow/tug, called the nose picker.  I have a bad back and manually pushing it back into the hangar is challenging by myself, so some sort of device would really be helpful(and yes I have ordered a truss from LASAR with the stops to prevent oversteer)...so after all that dribble, what do you guys recommend as a tow/tug for the Mooney with the lease possible amount of strain on the nose gear assembly(and no need for snide remarks I know its all about operator error, but the nose picker has a very long footprint which I think adds too much torque even under closely observed situations. Thank you in advance for your help and wisdom!

[Tommooney]

I've used the gas Powertow EZ40 for 20 years without a problem. The company is in Idaho. I just looked up the cost and wow it is twice as much now.

With the tight fit of the T hanger, I'm afraid I'd eventually bang up the tail if I regularly tried to muscle it back in. A case of an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure...

IDK how bad your back is ( mine too ) but I do have to lift it up/down as I push back or the turn wants keep increasing to limits...opposite of pulling out it wants to straighten and needs turn added when turning.

Good luck

[Steven B]

Thank you. I will look into that. 

[Danb]

• I’m in your boat having about 12 back,neck and spine operation. I have a power tow  ez 40 , nose dragger and a red line sidewinder the ez 40 requires me to balance the unit while attaching which is tough bending over. The nosedragger is pretty good but still bend over to close the latch behind the wheel difficult at times. The redline requires you to bend over when putting the plane back and stays there plus bending over to pick it up and slide it into the nose gear. I use the redline the most but all three affects your back if you have a serious back issue. I’ve been thinking about getting the one,forget the name, that is remote controlled and on the floor all the time but is expensive. My rating is redline #1 nosedragger  #2 and the EZ40 #3 but all three are nice quality units. The main problem with the EZ 40 s it’s a single wheel 
   
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[Steven B]

Excellent information. Thank you. Is it a nose picker?  That’s what I gave. You have to bend over to latch it on the nose wheel while pushing down on the unit. But the bad part is, it’s way too long, too much torque on the assembly. I’ve heard good things about the sidewinder?thx again. 

[Danb]

4 minutes ago, Steven B said:

Excellent information. Thank you. Is it a nose picker?  That’s what I gave. You have to bend over to latch it on the nose wheel while pushing down on the unit. But the bad part is, it’s way too long, too much torque on the assembly. I’ve heard good things about the sidewinder?thx again. 

The best tug a5 looks good but really pricey 

[PT20J]

If you have a bad back, one of these might be the ticket. No lifting or squatting or bending - just drive it under the nose wheel, lock it, and drive the plane where you want it. We used one to move an 8000 lb. Grumman Goose amphibian in and out of the hangar. 

https://acairtechnology.com

Skip

[kortopates]

If you have a bad back, one of these might be the ticket. No lifting or squatting or bending - just drive it under the nose wheel, lock it, and drive the plane where you want it. We used one to move an 8000 lb. Grumman Goose amphibian in and out of the hangar. 
https://acairtechnology.com
Skip

These are made near me and i’ve had a number of clients that use them. They’re all in love with the units. If it’s raining you don’t even have to get wet moving the plane in or out! But not for the budget minded pilot. Owning one of these though kicks you out of the CB club for life - if it matters.


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[Steven B]

Very cool. A bit out of my budget.  Thank you.