Best way to Lift up the tail wheel

[N96TJ]

1) Harbor Freight winch
2) Home Depot wheels
3) fuselage jig wood

[rv7charlie]

Cool tool, but what do you think about strapping the tailwheel into the jack cradle? The higher it goes, the lighter it gets, and it might not take much to dislodge it from the cradle.

Charlie

[alpinelakespilot2000]

Originally Posted by N96TJ

1) Harbor Freight winch
2) Home Depot wheels
3) fuselage

Have been wondering if I could just build a jack system rather than pay $300 or more. After all if i can build an airplane.... Really cool!

[Agent Orange]

Originally Posted by N96TJ

1) Harbor Freight winch
2) Home Depot wheels
3) fuselage jig wood

(Fancy jig Image here)

PERFECT! This is EXACTLY what I was trying to come up with. Thanks for the visual!

I like to get the tail up and sit the wheel actually on my benchtop so I have good access underneath to polish, drain oil, and such. There is still plenty of weight on the tail! This makes it even better. I may mod it slightly to accommodate tailwheel removal/cleaning/lube as well. Will advise when I have a constructed hoist.

-AO

[DeeCee 57]

I have a bad back which as as strange as it sounds doesn't heal with age. Since Tailmate has gone awry, I decided to build a replacement whilst trying to minimise the amount of work...

Bought a MoJack EZ - Residential Riding Lawn Mower Lift as they call it, and had some welding done to it.
Christened it yesterday for a 50H inspection and this gadget works real good

[Jetmart]

What is the approximate weight of the tail?

[rv8ch]

Daniel, that looks really nice! I'd like a metal one, but don't currently have a welder. So, I recommend Sam's wooden tail lifter design - I just built one and it works great. Here's the details:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=157436



BTW, just build it *exactly* as Sam shows and it will work great. I tried to "improve" it, and every change had to be rolled back to Sam's design. Also, I built mine at home, and the airplane is in the hangar. That cost me a few round trips to the airport. At least the moving part should be built in the hangar to ensure the space for the tailwheel assembly and clearance from the rudder is adequate.

[Jetmart]

Originally Posted by rv8ch

Just build one of Sam's tail lifters - I just built one and it works great. Here's the details:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=157436



BTW, just build it *exactly* as Sam shows and it will work great. I tried to "improve" it, and every change had to be rolled back to Sam's design. Also, I built mine at home, and the airplane is in the hangar. That cost me a few round trips to the airport. At least the moving part should be built in the hangar to ensure the space for the tailwheel assembly and clearance from the rudder is adequate.

What is the loose eye bolt used for that is sitting on the leg of the stand?

[rv8ch]

Originally Posted by Jetmart

What is the loose eye bolt used for that is sitting on the leg of the stand?

Sam explains in another thread that this is safety lock on the mechanism when the tail is up. He has some holes strategically drilled at the right height.

[FLY6]

If you prefer a metal tailmate, someone did post a drawing with measurements and angles, well done. If you can?t find it and would like it, shoot me a message. I believe I still have the drawing from when I built mine from it.
It does take a little time and effort but I found it to be a fun welding project and in the end it works great..