TC33DA question: Will it pull....

[pdub]

Will a TC33DA pull a 12,500 lb airplane on a flat surface? I realize that probably no one knows for SURE, but your opinion is appreciated.

 

[PineRidge]

Once you get it rolling it will take very little HP to actually keep the plane rolling.

I would bet yes. Just don't go so fast that you get air-born. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DmansPadge]

I'm sure that it wouldn't be a problem. Like PineRidge said... the worst part will be getting it rolling.

 

[thcri]

It depends on whether or not the landing gear is up or down?? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Now if the landing gear is out you also must have air in the tires?? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The other thing is if the brakes are on??? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


Otherwise it should do it.

Ok I had to say something smart?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Now I feel better,

murph

 

[slowrev]

Probably, but creeper gear would help to get it rolling.

Ben

 

[RobS]

Don't forget that once you get it rolling, you may have to stop it. That will take as much traction and (negative) power as getting it rolling /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[timb]

Doubt it would have a problem, at least if you're on a paved surface. I couldn't find the thread, but someone posted on here a long time ago that the USAF had used large-frame JD Cuts as airport tugs with great success. I doubt whether the USAF has anything anywhere as near as light as 12,500 lbs, so your medium CUT should cover it.

 

[Bob_Young]

That should be easy for a TC33DA. Heck, with a smooth surface and tires well inflated I can move a 5000 lb. aircraft by myself. Getting it over the hump and into the hangar is where I run into problems.

Be very cautious about the turns you make. Tricycle gear aircraft are not meant to make sharp turns. There are nosegear steering stops to limit how much deflection can be applied. Forced beyond those stops very $$expensive$$ nosewheel damage will occur. The stops are easy to feel and respect when moving an aircraft by hand; by machine it's easy to blow past them. Most aircraft have witness marks applied with red tape on the nosewheel strut to mark the limits of deflection. But you probably know this already.
Bob

 

[SteveInMD]

I pulled my 8,000 pound pickup truck up a fairly steep hill through tall grass with my TC33D. I'd say the airplane would be no problem at all on a flat surface.

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( That should be easy for a TC33DA. Heck, with a smooth surface and tires well inflated I can move a 5000 lb. aircraft by myself. Getting it over the hump and into the hangar is where I run into problems.

Be very cautious about the turns you make. Tricycle gear aircraft are not meant to make sharp turns. There are nosegear steering stops to limit how much deflection can be applied. Forced beyond those stops very $$expensive$$ nosewheel damage will occur. The stops are easy to feel and respect when moving an aircraft by hand; by machine it's easy to blow past them. Most aircraft have witness marks applied with red tape on the nosewheel strut to mark the limits of deflection. But you probably know this already.
)</font>

Your comments are right on, Bob. Many converted Ford 8Ns have been used for tugs. More than the power required to tow is the ability to stop. Most tugs I have seen have plenty of ballast, low center of gravity, and good brakes.

Some airplanes allow the nosewheel to be unpinned from the steering mechanism so they can be towed at short turning radii. The Hawker 700/800/1000s have this. On the other hand, a King Air B200 which is right at the 12,500 lb mark has a telltale bar installed in it's nosegear. If a pilot sees it distorted while he is doing preflight, you can bet some poor tug driver is gonna take some heat. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif