BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Apr 2016, 22:10

I am considering buying a Supertow IV, the IV has a bigger carriage plate to accommodate a dual nose wheel.

I currently rent out space to a Meridian and wondered if any body has used the Supertow IV on a Meridian, my impression is that the IV might not fit underneath the Meridian. Also any issues with the wider carriage plate on a single nose wheel as I want to use it to move my 421 and another 340 as well.

Hilgard

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Apr 2016, 23:12

Username Protected wrote:

I currently rent out space to a Meridian and wondered if any body has used the Supertow IV on a Meridian, my impression is that the IV might not fit underneath the Meridian. Also any issues with the wider carriage plate on a single nose wheel as I want to use it to move my 421 and another 340 as well.

I have two Supertow IVs for my MU2, which has a dual nose wheel. It works great for that (and is necessary since many tugs don't accommodate the dual nose wheel).

I have a hangar partner with a TBM850, and we were going to share the Supertow IV. However, the large plate makes it very hard to get the single nosewheel lined up, and if not aligned perfectly the lazy susan will turn and pull the nosewheel at an angle. It doesn't work well and may bend nose gear depending how delicate it is once turned cockeyed. He ended up buying his own tug.

I tried to concoct a plate which would force alignment of the single wheel in the center, but it didn't work well. Conceptually I think it could be done, but would require some decent "engineering", my attempt was more of a "hack". I would try calling Supertow to see if they have some kind of adapter (though I doubt it). But absent that, unfortunately you really need a different tug for the single nosewheel airplanes. Perhaps a Supertow II or III if you like the Supertow family.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2016, 01:16

Username Protected wrote:

I have two Supertow IVs for my MU2, which has a dual nose wheel. It works great for that (and is necessary since many tugs don't accommodate the dual nose wheel).

I have a hangar partner with a TBM850, and we were going to share the Supertow IV. However, the large plate makes it very hard to get the single nosewheel lined up, and if not aligned perfectly the lazy susan will turn and pull the nosewheel at an angle. It doesn't work well and may bend nose gear depending how delicate it is once turned cockeyed. He ended up buying his own tug.

I tried to concoct a plate which would force alignment of the single wheel in the center, but it didn't work well. Conceptually I think it could be done, but would require some decent "engineering", my attempt was more of a "hack". I would try calling Supertow to see if they have some kind of adapter (though I doubt it). But absent that, unfortunately you really need a different tug for the single nosewheel airplanes. Perhaps a Supertow II or III if you like the Supertow family.

Thanks Jon, that's very helpful.

Hilgard