Tow bar for Scott 3200

[vaflyer]

I'm considering a Bogert 4-TDG tow bar from Aviation Spruce. Anyone have any experience with it? Can you recommend something else?

[gfeher]

Mike, I also want to welcome you to the association and forum. I think you will find that your membership will be invaluable, as I have.

I have that tow bar and it works very well. Some don't like using a tow bar because they think it puts unnecessary stress on the tail wheel bracket. I don't have much of a choice as I don't have tail pull handles and sometimes I need to use a tow bar. But I push/pull my plane at the prop hub, rather than with the tow bar, as much as possible when I need to move my plane. But as far as manual tow bars go, I think the Bogert 4-TDG is a good one and I'm happy with mine.

BTW, do NOT use the horizontal stab to move the tail.

Edit: I realized that I should have taken the opportunity to give you a better review of the tow bar. So here goes: I bought mine two years ago new from Spruce. It's lightweight, but well made (as it should be for the price). The clamping action on the axel bolt/nut is nice and positive, and I've never had an instance where it slipped off. The side handle that moves the jaws takes a bit of getting used to as it can be somewhat difficult to move, but that's what gives it the good clamping action. And you get the hang of it. Also some of the stiffness disappears as you use it. It collapses nicely (by removing a pin and sliding the handle into the rest of the tow bar) and it easily fits in the back seat or baggage area of the 170. The pin that holds the handle in the full or collapsed position is teathered on a chain so you can't lose it. Althought it's lightweight, because it is well constructed, the handle is nice and stiff and doesn't bend when moving the plane. I hope this helps.

[vaflyer]

I don't want to put stress on the tailwheel and I do have the pull handles. I've been using the pull handles to line it up for my T hangar and then pushing on the prop. I have a little bit of an incline and so it is a little awkward by myself; tends to move left and right. I was thinking about pulling it with a tow bar but maybe that's not a good idea.

[gfeher]

I have a similar situation, but without the pull handles. The tow bar is useful for turning the tail. And there are times when I do need to pull on the the tow bar. I just try to do it carefully. If you are careful, I suspect that the stress is no greater than what the tail wheel bracket experiences on landing. But perhaps others can weigh in on the issue.

[sfarringer]

I use a Tail Dragger Dragger to pull and steer the airplane into the hangar.

I've never worried at all about pulling on the tailwheel to get it in the hangar. What am I missing?

[bagarre]

How does this put any stress on the tailwheel bracket at all??

[gfeher]

Here is one of the threads I was referring to when I said that some think it puts stress on the bracket: http://cessna170.org/forums/viewtopic.p ... ess#p77854. But if you are careful, I just don't see how the stresses and side loads would be any more than when landing or when taxiing (especially turning with the tail wheel) when the plane is loaded.

[bagarre]

If anything, a tow bar would put LESS stress on the spring and bracket.

Wether the force is coming from the wheel or from the fuselage is of little importance. What's important is how much the bracket twists under load.

The tow bar is attached at the wheel. Moving the airplane sideways means you pivot the wheel and roll. If you watch the spring and bracket, there is little movement or twist.

Without a tow bar, you normally push on the side of the fuselage to try to turn the wheel 90 degrees. This puts a LOT of twist on the spring and bracket. You can actually see the whole thing twist until the wheel finally turns enough to unlock.
Or you kick the wheel sideways until it unlocks and then push the plane but this too twists the spring and bracket.

[vaflyer]

How is the Tail Dragger Dragger?

[sfarringer]

How is the Tail Dragger Dragger?

I am very pleased with it, for dragging the airplane back into the hangar, and pushing it out.
However, it is not something you would take with you on a trip.....

[nippaero]

Here's the one I've been using. Works fine. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... _towbars18

I am in the process of installing the tail pull handles from BAS though.

[170C]

I have yet to find an ideal, powered tug for our type Cessna's. I have a Tail Dragger TDG-6. As the video shows, it's necessary to "squirrel" the paddles around the tailwheel, then lift and latch the castor in place. The unit has plenty of power, but I think it's lacks some engineering. On smooth concrete hangar floors it requires a bit of a push to get my plane moving as the tires will spin. Engine is mounted on left side so it would be better if there was a counter weight on the right side. Transmission is one speed pushing plane out &'two speed in reverse. Should be just the opposite ( my opinion). Transmission tends to leak oil. I have made extensions to the paddles to help prevent the tailwheel from rolling up over the front if clutch engaged too quickly. Castor latch made from too light weight material. Had to weld heavier material to make strong enough. Extended transmission shift rod to same length as castor latch rod--easier to use. Still much better than handling plane manually, even with tail handles.

[MoonlightVFR]

I too would like to purchase AN IDEAL powered tow bar.

Have looked at product from South Africa. Wing Walker. Portable, Hangs om wall, frees up floor space.

Cannot get any good vibes from any purchaser in USA. not one!

Still looking.