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11-13-2019, 07:58 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,007
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Best Tugs
Anyone using a Best Tugs (I'm looking at A2) for moving their taildragger RV?
I'm after an electric tug for my -7. Seen other offerings, but always left with concerns over maneuverability, especially pushing forward or pulling backward with the wheel in trail, and the potential for slipping off the axle nut when pushing and smashing the rudder trailing edge.
John Siebold
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11-13-2019, 11:57 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Aurora, OR
Posts: 843
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We have two Best Tugs at the Van's Factory for moving airplanes, one Alpha and one Bravo, and we think they're great if you're wanting a good quality electric tug. The Alphas sees the most use, and the Bravo is great for the larger aircraft, too. We even took them with us on the truck to Oshkosh this year and used them to help move airplanes all week.
We use the alpha on the tailwheel airplanes all the time. Best Tugs includes special tailwheel cups that "grab" the wheel over the axle nuts and hold tight. The tightness is easily adjusted, and we can switch quickly between "connect to the nose wheel thru the fairing" and "clamp around the tailwheel axle nuts," which is nice since we have so many different aircraft we move.
__________________
Greg Hughes - Van's Aircraft - Community, Media, Marketing
Van's web site | Instagram | Facebook
Opinions, information and comments are my own unless stated otherwise. They do not necessarily represent the direction/opinions of my employer.
Building RV-8A since Sept 2014 (N88VX reserved)
Dual AFS 5600, Avidyne IFD 440, Whirlwind 74RV, Superior XP IO-360
VAF build thread - Flickr photo album - Project Facebook page
Aurora, OR (EAA Chapter 105)
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11-13-2019, 12:36 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 668
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RV7ator
Anyone using a Best Tugs (I'm looking at A2) for moving their taildragger RV?
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Yep, I have an Alpha2 that I use on my RV8. Works great. In my case I am pulling up an incline into the hangar and it makes it nice and easy to move.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RV7ator
but always left with concerns over maneuverability, especially pushing forward or pulling backward with the wheel in trail
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Pulling is super easy, it just follows you as you pull back into the hangar (tail first). Pushing is a bit more challenging, but nothing a little practice can work out. I find it better to look at the nose of the plane and steer that vs looking at the tail. It's kind of like backing a trailer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RV7ator
the potential for slipping off the axle nut when pushing and smashing the rudder trailing edge
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I've not had any issues with it slipping off. I added a bit longer bolt to the tailwheel axel with some washer on the head and nut side. This gives it a good place to grab, but that was mostly for my manual bogi-bar as the best tug clamps tightly onto the fork. As Greg said it's easy to adjust to get a secure fit.
__________________
Andy Karmy
Covington WA
RV-8 - Flying!
RV-9A - sold
Dec 2019 Paid
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11-13-2019, 08:44 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 959
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What is the cost of an Alpha 2, if I may ask?
Thanks!
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11-13-2019, 10:54 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 3,351
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RV8JD
What is the cost of an Alpha 2, if I may ask?
Thanks!
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About $2900.
I am considering to buy a Alpha 2 or 3 for my RV14A.
__________________
Mehrdad
N825SM RV7A - IO360M1B - SOLD
N825MS RV14A - IO390 - Flying
Dues paid
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11-14-2019, 05:30 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 438
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Ditto on Best Tugs
There is a reason they are named Best Tugs. And they are 100% American Made.
One of the best things I have purchased for the plane. Alpha 3
My home Airport closed down and was not sure where I was moving. Turned out my options all had uneven surfaces and issues with inclines and doorways. Bought it at Oshkosh 2018.
__________________
Daryl Tolliver
VAF 1086
Yes: I paid my =VAF= membership dues for 2020
RV-7A - N754RV: Status - Pink Slip is In! First Flight 8/23/12 - My First Flight 9/24/12!
Home from GloCustom for Paint! 3/16/13
957 hours and climbing
7th Condition Inspection complete 10/31/2019
Superior XP IO360 (180 HP), Hartzell Blended Airfoil, AF-5400 EFIS panel, Garmin Aera 660, TruTrak Vizion 385 AutoPilot, Dual Pmags
Houston, TX
Track: SPOT
Weiser Airpark (EYQ)
http://www.rv7a-factory.com
Last edited by DarylT : 11-14-2019 at 05:39 AM.
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11-14-2019, 07:09 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LSGY
Posts: 3,198
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Expensive?
At first I thought that price was outrageous since I thought that electric golf trolleys are only a few hundred, but having a look shows that they are in the 1000 range, so I guess triple for something related to airplanes is par for the course.
Sure glad my airport is flat so the bogi-bar will work, with a bit of muscle when pulling/pushing through the grass. Who am I kidding, I'm sure I'll be building or buying an electric tug soon - didn't even know I needed one until now. 
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11-14-2019, 07:50 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Covid Country-SoCal
Posts: 1,081
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rv8ch
At first I thought that price was outrageous since I thought that electric golf trolleys are only a few hundred, but having a look shows that they are in the 1000 range, so I guess triple for something related to airplanes is par for the course. 
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Plus, Mike needs the money to rebuild Draco.... ;-)
-Marc
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RV-10
N814RV
2020 Donation Made
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11-14-2019, 10:29 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LSGY
Posts: 3,198
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Plummit
Plus, Mike needs the money to rebuild Draco.... ;-)
-Marc
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Can't think of a more worthy cause! 
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11-14-2019, 11:17 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 191
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We have one of them at our flight club.
They're good but backing up planes takes a firm yet subtle touch.
We also installed an LED light strip on top that comes on when power is on as its easy to walk away, leave the power on and wind up draining the battery.
__________________
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Dues paid (2020)
RV-14 #140394
Empennage - done(ish)
Wings - done(ish)
Fuselage - done(ish)
Finishing Kit - Somewhere in there
YouTube Build Channel
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