Tug for 42-VI

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dselder1962
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Tug for 42-VI

Post by dselder1962 »

Hello all
I have a new 42-VI coming to my home base in Moorabbin, Australia in August. (I am moving from a G5 Cirrus 22T.) Just appreciate your advice on what tugs you use for moving the aircraft about. I am in a shared hanger, with no significant lip at the door tracks, but with a small incline in front of the hanger. There is never snow or ice.
(First post in the Diamond network. I did search for this but could not find any subjects.)
Cheers
David
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Aart
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by Aart »

Aart
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Chris
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by Chris »

Here's a link to an earlier thread discussing tug solutions for a DA42.
Chris
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Thomas
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by Thomas »

We use a TugMAXXE - SM 2.0 TWIN ENGINE AIRCRAFT TUG for years for a DA42 and I use the smaller type for my DA40. Very easy and durable.

https://www.tugmaxxe-usa.com/ ---------------- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx13DALRCs4&t=9s

if you consider an offer, tell them regards from Thomas/Switzerland
Thomas Bienz DA40-180 40.337 D-ENMA (sold 08/2022)
Home Airport LSZC Buochs Switzerland
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CFIDave
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by CFIDave »

As mentioned previously in the linked thread referenced above, to get our DA42-VI in and out of our hangar we used the tried-and-true gasoline engine Powertow 40-EZ model:
http://www.powertow.com/40-EZ-Aircraft- ... _p_14.html
They sell DA42 adapter pins with plastic ends to protect the wheel that fit perfectly.

BTW, I had just assumed that I'd be able to use this same tug with our new DA62, and hadn't thought much about it since the axle holes are the same size. But when we flew our new DA62 home, I learned that even with the tug's adapter pins reset to their widest settings, the PowerTow really wouldn't fit the very-wide fork of the DA62's front wheel (which uses the same very large tire as the mains). With lots of difficulty, I finally managed to get the tug attached to get the plane into the hangar, but then almost couldn't remove the tug from the front wheel.

The fix? Use a hacksaw to remove about 1/2 inch of the plastic end on the left (from the pilot's seat perspective) side adapter, and now the Powertow DA42 adapters work perfectly on a DA62. :)
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Colin
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by Colin »

I was so worried you were taking a hacksaw to a brand new plane...

Have you landed the DA62 on a grass strip yet? It should be okay for that, right? "Unimproved runways" is part of the marketing.
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ultraturtle
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by ultraturtle »

A new owner myself, I recently searched every resource I could find with the same question and came up with what I believe to be an elegant solution. Attaches and detaches in seconds, simple, no modifications required. Crazy expensive or crazy cheap depending on your perspective at $1,980 plus shipping. It folds to fit in the back of the aircraft should you need to transport it:

https://www.redlineaviation.com/diamond/

Impressively precise engineering and manufacturing. This is how it fits on the nose gear bracket of my DA42-VI:

Image

A fully charged battery will tow the DA42 about 200 yards. Suggest you buy a spare battery and swap it as necessary:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009 ... UTF8&psc=1

Only had it for two months, but it is impressive. No gasoline odors, quiet as a mouse, and very capable. Pushes my fully fueled DA42 up a reasonably steep incline, and over 1" hangar door tracks (with 3/4" spacer blocks) effortlessly. One recharge after about 6 tows, including a 50 yard tow to the end of the hangar row and back to wash the aircraft.
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dselder1962
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by dselder1962 »

Thanks All
The Sidewinder from Redline looks great and I like that you can take it with you, as I do go into fields quite a bit and sometimes may need to move the plane when not under power.

I have sent an email to Redline as to whether they ship to Australia. Fingers crossed.

Cheers

David
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dselder1962
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by dselder1962 »

Have been in touch with Redline, and what great customer service: quick reply. Will ship to Australia, even have a 240V charger option available. Order going in on Monday.
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ultraturtle
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by ultraturtle »

I agree that the folks at Redline are a pleasure to work with. Linn Kastan went out of his way to get my unit to me in time for a need to tow the aircraft, while keeping shipping charges as low as reasonably possible.
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