Mooney Power Tows

[drpep]

Hello fellow Mooney folks!

I am in urgent need of a power tug as I am somewhat compromised with a fused ankle making it quite difficult for me to push the plane in and out of  the hangar. I am aware of Power tow from Idaho and another product called Lindy Tugs from Minn.  Anyone have any comments on the best tow for a Mooney either gas or electric? Much obliged for any and all suggestions, comments or recommendations

Philip Perry

[GeorgePerry]

Phil

I had the same dilema about 3 years ago.  I just couldn't stomach spending $1400 on what's essentually lawnmower parts.  So I kept looking at craigs list for a tow with a bad motor (but good frame, tire and transmission).  Usually the motor goes bad way before any of the other parts will.  It didn't take long and I found an 40EZ power tow that was "not running".  I bought it sight unseen for $100.  Then I ordered a 4.5 hp honda engine from http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com and the Mooney adaptor kit from power tow.  Put the new engine and Mooney adaptor kit on and tug has been running strong ever since...and at a cost of only $345 and some elbow grease. 

Good luck...

 

[Ned Gravel]

Philip:

There are two others.  One is from a company called Redline Aviation and it is essentially a handheld power saw motor attached to some method of transferring motion to a little drive wheel.  They have models for most heavier GA aircraft, but they are not yet finished on the Mooney one. Go to http://www.redlineaviation.com/mooney/.  Folds in half and weighs about 20 lbs.

The last one is from a company that stopped making them about three or four years ago.  I cannot recall the website or the name of the kit.  All I have left of their work is a little flash video, which I can send you electronically if you wish.  This one plugs into the aircraft battery through a little plug on the copilot side and weighs about 8 lbs. Comes apart in two pieces for storage.

I guess your only options, if you want one fast, is to get one of the ones you have already mentioned.

[hansel]

I'm in the process of making one from a lark scooter I found on Craig's list ($100). I've never seen this done, but the scooter has a lot of useful parts for cheap (motor, batteries, electronic charging system, even a friggin back-up horn ,  so we'll pull out the mig welder and see what happens. If you don't hear about this again in the next six months you'll know it didn't quite work out as planned.

[skyking]

I have an electric one i dont need. i have a M20A so unless the gear is a lot different on yours it should fit.

If you are willing to pay shipping you can have it for $200 bucks. It is in good shape and runs well.

it weighs about 15 pounds

[MooneyMitch]

Here’s our Mooney tow tug story.  Jolie’s hangar had high hangar door runners.  It was very difficult for her to move her E in and out.  We found an electric Power Tow tug on Ebay.  She bought it and I installed the Mooney adapters available from the Power Tow folks.  The unit did the job.  The negative of the electric unit was dealing with the power cord before, during and after the process.

With acquisition of the Ovation [heavier than the E] , the electric unit would labor and sometimes just stop turning while moving the plane.  A hangar neighbor had a new Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine /speed control mechanism stored in his hangar [that’s another story].  I installed the B&S engine onto the Power Tow frame.  The gasoline engine mounting holes were existing on the Power Tow frame.  The electric motor pulley and drive belt were reused.  A side note here: do install spacers between the bottom of the engine case and the Power Tow frame.  This will prevent engine case stress and possible breakage as you tighten the mounting hardware.

Also, if you purchase a new or used lawm mower engine, make sure it has a "heavy" flywheel installed.  If not, one can be purchased from the manuf. or possibly from a mower repair shop.  Reason being, the mower blade provides the necessary balance so the engine does not kick back during the starting process.  Once the blade from the mower engine is removed, the light weight flywheel will not do the trick.  Your hand, wrist and arm will validate this!!  I hope this information helps.

[MooneyMitch]

Quote: skyking

I have an electric one i dont need. i have a M20A so unless the gear is a lot different on yours it should fit.

If you are willing to pay shipping you can have it for $200 bucks. It is in good shape and runs well.

it weighs about 15 pounds

[skyking]

i live just outside of Edmonton alberta so i dont know how much shipping is, but i would not think it is too expensive.

I just dont need it anymore as my hanger is nice and flat and level to the ramp.

first come- first served if anybody wants it.

[MooneyMitch]

Quote: skyking

i live just outside of Edmonton alberta so i dont know how much shipping is, but i would not think it is too expensive.

I just dont need it anymore as my hanger is nice and flat and level to the ramp.

first come- first served if anybody wants it.

[Piloto]

I have the 28 volts Robotow and I am very happy with it. Unlike the gas ones you do not need worry about getting it started, lifting the tug to turn or storing it. It is quiet, lightweight (25 pounds) and can be carried in the plane. I had tried it with full fueled (with long range tanks) TLS on an inclined ramp and it works like a champ. Unlike the gas ones the speed control is very smooth for maneuving in tight quarters. I strongly recommend it. Look it up at: www.robotow.com

José 

[MooneyMitch]

The Robotow looks very good too!  The Mooney adapter is not listed on their site, but it is obviously available.    

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: Piloto

I have the 28 volts Robotow and I am very happy with it. Unlike the gas ones you do not need worry about getting it started, lifting the tug to turn or storing it. It is quiet, lightweight (25 pounds) and can be carried in the plane. I had tried it with full fueled (with long range tanks) TLS on an inclined ramp and it works like a champ. Unlike the gas ones the speed control is very smooth for maneuving in tight quarters. I strongly recommend it. Look it up at: www.robotow.com

José 

[Piloto]

You order it as a one unit for Mooneys. I paid $1100, but is worth it. After all one night at the ER (after a heart attack) will cost you more. I used the hand tow bar before and had bottle of aspiring ty-wrap to it.

José 

[Ron McBride]

As a user of many cordless tools, the batteries can be very expensive.  Notice that a replacement battery is over $200.00. Will these batteries last 1 or 2 Years????

 

Ron

[drpep]

Hello Mitch

I am most definitely interested in your electic tow. Sa you might know I live in Canada as well as Iam most willing to pay for shipping. Please email me if you would at drpep@shaw.ca and we can go forward with this

Thanks for your response

Philip

[drpep]

Hello Russ

It looks like I got you and Mitch mixed up with my last email . My sincere opologies. Once again I would like to purchase the tow from you and you can reach me at drpep@shaw.ca or if you would like to call me I can be reached at 250-468-2771

Regards

Philip

[MooneyMitch]

Great news Philip!  Russ and I spoke and we agreed that you are in much more need of this than we.  I hope all works out for you with this. Happy Mooney flying!

[Rustler]

Holy smokes, folks!

I hope, in this day of every man for himself, we all recognize what we've seen here.

Mitch gets my good guy award for the week.

[mooneygirl]

I am curious about a comment made on this video about NASCAR and the roll cage.  What do you all think?

 

[Ned Gravel]

Jolie:

In my opinion, I am not certain that statement is entirely true or untrue.  Al may have used some characteristics of NASCAR racing designs such as roll cages, but only if that organisation existed back in 1955 or so.  If he did, he might have unofficially credited them with the design. I cannot remember if the books "Those Remarkable Mooneys" or "The Al Mooney Story" make mention of this.

Not outside the realm of the possible, but not necessarily true either.

Good marketing hype though.

Just my opinion.

[skyking]

Hi Phil. i will call you later today.

i sent an email.

Looks like you are in BC and i am right next door in alberta.

Looks like i just found a reason to go for a spin to BC, i may just go for a little weekend trip and drop it off for ya or you can have an excuse to come to edmonton for the weekend.

( boy it dont take much for us to find a reason to go flying huh???LOL)

 

 

[skyking]

My tow bar is now sold.

As discussed with Mitch i have sold it to Phil

 

[MooneyMitch]

Hello everyone.

I am now in search of a Power Tow unit, electric or otherwise, for a Mooney owner friend of mine.  If you know of anyone that may be liquidating this type of unit, not necessarily set up for a Mooney,  I would be very interested.   Thank you.

[MooneyMitch]

After a full day and just to keep this on the front page for a bit longer, I am still searching for a used Power Tow.  If anyone knows of one for sale, please let me know.  Thank you. 

[DonMuncy]

Well, I finally got my power tow finished. I now consider myself an expert on tow design, parts acquision, assembly etc. There are a few things I would change if I were doing it over, but it looks pretty good, is easy to maneuver, and works well (albeit slowly). If you are adept at welding and have lots of spare time, I highly reccommend the project. I'm very willing to share my problems and results.

Don