Airplane Tow Units

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

User avatar
jrenwick
Posts: 2045
Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:34 pm

Re: Airplane Tow Units

Post by jrenwick »

jlwild wrote:...It is easy to handle, very stable, and simple to operate. With two drive wheels and one swivel wheel I find it far safer to operate than a "Power Tow" chain drive single wheel I used to own.
Jim, that's interesting. The only Powertow I've used has the double-wheel option. I bought it because, at the time, I needed to move the airplane across a stretch of grass (the hangar had no apron), which was snow- and ice-covered in the winter. I thought I needed the extra traction. I never thought about how the single-wheel version would work with a tailwheel, but I agree, it'll work much better if the tug doesn't tip.

So, if you're thinking about a Powertow for a taildragger, factor in the cost of the two-wheel option.
John Renwick
Minneapolis, MN
Former owner, '55 C-170B, N4401B
'42 J-3 Cub, N62088
'50 Swift GC-1B, N2431B, Oshkosh 2009 Outstanding Swift Award, 2016 Best Continuously Maintained Swift
User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Re: Airplane Tow Units

Post by 170C »

I appreciate all the good suggestions guys :!: I think Jim W has hit on the solution as his unit appears to be the one that may well be my choice if I end up having to purchase one. Looks like they are $1,500 plus who know how much freight. Short of having an old riding mower and a shop where I could do my own thing, this is likely what I may end up with. Of course I will have to do some searching on ebay or craigslist if I do decide to buy one to see if I can cut the cost. One several years old would work just a well as a new one. Finally, how do some of you guys manage to have such a prestine looking hangar (JB) :?: Mine always looks like some guy's poorly kept blacksmith shop :oops: I'm jealous :mrgreen:
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
ron74887
Posts: 298
Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 2:18 am

Re: Airplane Tow Units

Post by ron74887 »

Frank, now that you are RETIRED you have no excuse not to be at the hangar getting it all neat and clean cause Becky will want your A&^^* out of the house!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: Could notn pass up the opportunity!! :twisted: :twisted: Ron
President 86-88
53 C170-B N74887, people choice 2003, Best original B 2007
46 7BCM champ N2843E Rebuilding stage
Cajun Connection way down south, most of you are yankees to me!
User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Re: Airplane Tow Units

Post by 170C »

I think we are about there :!: :!: :!: I'll be glad when the hangar is much closer to the house. Its a 52 mile round trip now. She may send me over there with a cot and a pillow :roll:
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
Post Reply
Cessna® is a registered trademark of Textron Aviation, Inc. The International Cessna® 170 Association is an independent owners/operators association dedicated to C170 aircraft and early O-300-powered C172s. We are not affiliated with Cessna® or Textron Aviation, Inc. in any way.