What is the difference between the 10-H & 10-S tugs?
Answer: The models 10-S and 10-H have identical drive trains, but different load systems. The Model 10-S load platform is welded into place and it can accommodate most general aviation aircraft. The Model 10-H has the load platform raised or lowered from the ground to a height of 7 inches. This jacking capability makes the loading of tight-tolerance wheel fairings, tail draggers, and aircraft needing the tail sections lowered approximately 14 inches to fit under a low door frame. The jacking up of the load platform on the Model 10-H is the only difference compared to the Model 10-S.
Which unit is compatible with my plane?
Answer: See our capability chart or call for information regarding which AIRTUG best fits your application.
Is there any guarantee?
Answer: The AIRTUG Guarantee is the BEST! Within thirty days, if the tug does not work as advertised or does not meet your expectations, AIRTUG will return your investment, arrange to have your tug shipped back and pay the return freight charges. You’ll only have to pay for the original freight cost as long as the tug is returned in like-new condition without damages.
How difficult is it to use your tugs?
Answer: The short answer is it is extremely easy and anyone can operate our AIRTUG! The operating instructions for AIRTUG models are single-paged instructions because your tug will arrive 99% assembled, needing only the handle bolted into position for only aircraft tug models, and adding oil and gas to the engine. And the operating instructions are just as easy and straight forward. Starting and practicing maneuvers with your AIRTUG before loading your aircraft is recommended. It is extremely safe for the operator and plane with a ‘Return to Brake’ feature if the throttle is released and ensures no creep. Once you feel comfortable with the precise control of the twist-grip handle bar, you can comfortably and confidently move your aircraft into your hangar and now it is only a one person job! Due to our hydrostatic transmission, it creates a very smooth transition into moving forward or reverse, thus eliminating the jolting impact that is typical on traditional tugs.
What concerns should I have about buying a tug for my plane?
Answer: You can confidently order any AIRTUG knowing that very few applications fail to work with the universal AIRTUG loading systems. Just qualify your aircraft as less than 16,000 pounds gross weight, and you can confidently expect to move most airplanes—and if necessary accessory adapters for specific issues like Cirrus wheel fairings or Scott tail wheels. Typically all retractable gear aircraft match easily to either the 10-S or 10-H Models. With fixed gear aircraft, accessories may be needed to accommodate some planes such as Cirrus.
How long will my tug last?
Answer: You can expect your AIRTUG to last many years with just a little tender loving care. We have many still operating in the field after twenty years. Again, depending on the care that is given to the unit, it will last many years.
What is the difference between an airplane tug and a towbar?
Answer: Towbars usually attach to nose wheel axles or fairing pins and pushing against steering limiters or axles can occasionally cause damage. AIRTUG uses a nylon strap around the nose strut and winches the airplane forward onto the load platform and against a positive stop. There is no metal to metal contact on most of our tugs! The hookup is extremely quick and easy and robust. The dead weight of the nose gear structure adds aircraft weight to the tug and thus added traction for starting out with stationary heavy loads.
How do I maintain my tug?
Answer: AIRTUG is a normally serviced gasoline engine tug with a built in alternator to charge the electric system for electric starts. Maintenance is limited to servicing fuel and oil on the gas engine as the manufacturer requires and servicing the 12 volt battery as needed. The heart of AIRTUG, the Hydrostatic Drive, is a sealed, no-maintenance transmission.
Why is AIRTUG better than the competition?
Answer: AIRTUG models have improved over the years by innovations in design, improved features added or built-in after customer comments and suggestions. Improvements to the universal design, meant to fit most aircraft under 16,000 pounds gross weight, which has led to more and different loading accessories, changes in loading platforms and increased horse power in gasoline engines to improve load capacity. The AIRTUG is very simple and sturdy. It accommodates a wide variety of aircraft that fits a niche for FBO’s and private owners with diverse issues from very light weight composites like Cirrus aircraft to heavy twin engine aircraft like Beech King Air, Cessna Citations, and the new wave of Very Light Jets.
When comparing features and specifications, no competitors are able to compete with the value of AIRTUG.