1942 Aircraft Tug

   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #3  
That's what I was thinking. Stuff like that is interesting, but rube-goldburg contraptions aren't worth the hassle of ownership.
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #4  
Hey, memories!
I purchased one just like that some years back (was in aviation then) from gov't assets.
All mine needed was a new shifter arm as some yoyo snapped it clean off.
Cost me all of $35 for a replacement.
As I recall it could tug a DC8 and I eventually sold it (believe FedX was the buyer) and I enjoyed a nice healthy profit.
They also purchased 2 smaller baggage tow carts at the same time.

That type of equipment is indestructible. I remember the rear 'fenders' were about 2 inches thick cast iron, (for traction)
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #5  
The best part of that thing is the paint job.
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #6  
They have gotten a bit bigger over time.

tug.jpeg
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug
  • Thread Starter
#7  
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #8  
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #9  
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #10  
it can out pull a tractor any day!.. and last longer doing that..

I've driven them when I worked at an airport in the late 70's through 86. That is a relatively light tug, and it won't pull if you get it off of pavement. ;)
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug
  • Thread Starter
#11  
I've driven them when I worked at an airport in the late 70's through 86. That is a relatively light tug, and it won't pull if you get it off of pavement. ;)

Ok, how many people have driven an airplane tug off of the road and gotten it stuck? Anyone? Anyone? Ok, I see one hand.
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #12  
I've driven them when I worked at an airport in the late 70's through 86. That is a relatively light tug, and it won't pull if you get it off of pavement. ;)
this one has tractor tires on it, I'm sure the one's that you used has tires for the pavement, which are not meant for off-pavement use.
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #13  
Ok, how many people have driven an airplane tug off of the road and gotten it stuck? Anyone? Anyone? Ok, I see one hand.

Many times. A local farmer used one to pull a rake, baler, etc. It had highway tread tires. I pulled it out of sandy spots many times with my JD model LA.

Bruce
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #14  
Ok, how many people have driven an airplane tug off of the road and gotten it stuck? Anyone? Anyone? Ok, I see one hand.

Pretty much every person that's ever driven an aircraft tug has gotten it stuck. Just like fork lifts. ;)
 
   / 1942 Aircraft Tug #15  
this one has tractor tires on it, I'm sure the one's that you used has tires for the pavement, which are not meant for off-pavement use.

It will suck off road. They have very little ground clearance as well.
 

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