Tug for 42-VI

Any DA42 related topics.

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Bartek
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by Bartek »

I agree with all said about Redline Sidewinder - great tow for hard surfaces, but some worse for grass.
And as I changed hangar recently for a one without hard apron in front -mine is for sale, if anyone interested (Poland, Europe, simply PM me).
In terms of taking it in plane with you - nose luggage compartment is the best place.
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dselder1962
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by dselder1962 »

I have ordered the Sidewinder.
Any issues with taking the lithium battery on board during flight?
Cheers
David
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GLDAS
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by GLDAS »

I spent some time at OSH with the owner of Best Tugs. http://www.besttugs.com/
It's a really impressive product that checks a lot of boxes for me (other than being portable). Expensive, but I will have one soon.
-dan
Dan P. Eldridge
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Bartek
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by Bartek »

dselder1962 wrote:I have ordered the Sidewinder.
Any issues with taking the lithium battery on board during flight?
Cheers
Hello David,
No issues with the battery during flights so far. I think Lithum batteries may be an issue if you short-circuit them or expose to excess heat, in nose compartment none of such shall happen.
True is that I pretty rarely take it with me, usually Sidewinder stays in hangar. It is needed to park the plane in hangar, when flying other airfields I find it difficult to find a hangaring place for my DA42.
So the portability of the Sidewinder (weight – 12 kg) is not necessary it’s mostly used feature, but anyhow – a nice one.
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dselder1962
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by dselder1962 »

Just a quick prep on the sidewinder. Got my new 42 today, so had a chance to play with it.
Wow! So easy moving it into the hanger. Really easy to control as well.
Fantastic!
David
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gordsh
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by gordsh »

I have the Bravo model from Besttugs.com for my DA40, however it ca be supplied with a fork for the DA42. It has a air compressor and GPU connection/jump starter and is battery powered. Does not appear that I can post picutures as yet so I a not able to show mine but you can see it here http://www.besttugs.com/bravo-test
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Mike Jones
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by Mike Jones »

I am looking at the Redline one for a DA62, the only comment I would make is that it looks like the handle isn't really long enough to clear the long nose, meaning that you need to bend over to operate which won't be very comfortable for more than a few yards. Other than that it looks great. I will drop them a message and see what they say.
Waiting for DA62-277
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photoSteveZ
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by photoSteveZ »

I have Redline tugs for my DA62 and my A36 Bonanza. I had the Bonanza first, and my positive experience with the Redline for that plane prompted me to buy one for the DA62 when it arrived.

But, the DA62 is a big load for that Milwaukee drill. It works fine in the dry and on the level, but it struggles with traction between drive roller and nose wheel when the pavement's wet, and getting over the rubber hangar door seal and into the hangar is best done at a slight angle, so both mains don't hit the seal at the same time. I charge the battery after every round trip out of the hangar and back in; it starts running out of steam on the second round trip.
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tjmoody
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by tjmoody »

My experience with the Redline Tug for my DA42 is similar to Steve with his DA62. All in all, I am happy I have it and it arguably the best solution for me. I have a slight slope up to my hangar and a lip at the entrance. It wet conditions, it will sometimes slip but I can still get the plane in without much hassle. Otherwise it easily gets the plane in. In the one year I've had it, I've had one Milwaukee motor burn out but it was easy to get the original one repaired for free (warranty was still valid) by Milwaukee and buy a spare to have in the hangar. I haven't owned one of the larger tugs but friends who do say that they are envious of the speed and ease of attaching and removing the Sidewinder. Like others, I like to idea of bringing it with me on trips but so far I haven't had the need to.
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FlyingShrink
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Re: Tug for 42-VI

Post by FlyingShrink »

You will enjoy the practicality of Redline tug. I use it all the time and just love it. I keep it with me in the aircraft.

Veeru
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