How to Select the Right Aircraft Tug

Shopping for an aircraft tug can feel overwhelming since so many different types are on the market.  Additionally, each type of tug is designed to operate differently; and different tugs accommodate different styles of aircraft.  Narrowing down the search will depend on certain variables:  1) your budget 2) frequency of use 3) the weight of your aircraft 4) whether your craft is a nose-wheel or tail-wheel 5) whether the nose-wheel will be raised or not raised 6) weather conditions during use and 7) difficulty or ease in operation, etc – in other words, it’s all about pondering the right types of questions and knowing what the requirements of your entire operation will look like.

That all-important aircraft-tug purchase will require a decision based on a variety of considerations; and here are only a few things to think about:

What Is My Aircraft’s Rating and Weight Range?

The rating and weight range of your aircraft will be a big determiner regarding the type of tug you might purchase, since tugs should align with, and perform, according to both those variables.  By not adhering to the craft’s rate and weight range – whether the aircraft is too heavy or too light-weight –  actual damage to the aircraft can ensue and the likelihood of accidents can increase if inappropriate tugs are utilized.  The landing gear of a smaller plane, for example,  would not tolerate the enhanced power of a more-potent tug.  A tug that is too small for a larger plane would, likely, have problems with braking power, not to mention the smaller tug’s inability to turn the plane smoothly and safely.

If I Buy Used, Will It Be A Lemon?

Used aircraft tugs, like used cars, can come with questionable attributes.  Since warranties and guarantees on used tugs are often non-existent, you will be forced to rely on the character of the person selling the tug.  Even if the original owner is a person of character, the operation of the tug may still be compromised since, after all, ‘used parts is used parts‘.  It goes back to the old adage:  You get what you pay for!  Having a tug break-down during a vital towing operation would be something no pilot or ground-crew member would want to have to deal with.

Should I Consider a Refurbished Tug?

Though a problem-free, brand-new tug is what everyone would desire, your budget may not line up with the cost.  If buying used from a stranger feels uncomfortable, a factory-reconditioned aircraft tug could be a viable alternative.  Factory-reconstructed tugs are, usually, very functionally reliable and could be considered ‘virtually new’.  Additionally, if a warranty is attached to the item, you have the best of both both worlds – money saved with a tug that will look great, and one that should perform, well.

Should I Consider a Brand New Tug?

It can’t be argued that purchasing a new tug relieves one from concern regarding whether or not one’s tug will operate how it should and when it should.  Buying a new tug, like buying a new car, means peace of mind; and that is worth its weight in gold.  Aircraft tugs that are new are completely reliable; and some models end up paying for themselves when you consider the following:  remotely-operated tugs, for example, allow for a single operator rather than a team of skilled personnel; and this can save many thousands of dollars in saved payroll revenue every year and provide the most-immediate return on investment.  Whether you would consider a remote-controlled tug, one that is manually-operated, or one that is battery or gasoline-powered, brand-new tugs translate into no headaches, no unexpected surprises, and safe and seamless tows of your aircraft whenever the need arises.

Though there are a number of other questions you should ask yourself when considering the purchase of an aircraft tug, it can’t be argued that the importance of purchasing the correct aircraft tug is crucial. After all, the machine your tug will be moving is very expensive and very sensitive, with exacting tolerances.  Once you have taken all the considerations into account to make your aircraft tug purchase, this wonderful piece of machinery will become absolutely indispensable!