[Frank]

Frank on October 28, 2021 at 3:32 am #21019

Bogert recommended the following:

04M-24/30: Piper Comanche PA-23, PA-24, PA-30 & PA-39 Also PA-32 Cherokee Six axle w/pants if tabs above wheel are broken (Not verified for Piper Saratoga with fixed gear), Navion Rangemaster H

That’s a good point about the welder – it’s always good to have friends with equipment.
It’s on order!

Thanks again!
-Frank.

[STEVE]

STEVE on October 25, 2021 at 3:24 am #21010

A resourceful local welder will be able to extend the bar as needed, and create a way to make it short enough to fit into your nose baggage locker.
S

[STEVE]

STEVE on October 25, 2021 at 3:22 am #21009

Hi Frank,
I obtained the measurements last posted by talking to a Bogerts sales person. I didn’t see them on the website.
The true, not estimated measurements are best, as I’m sure you know.
It’s my belief that the nose forks on many Piper singles and twins are the same size.
I just went out to my Comanche and got the same measurements you have.
The “jaws” need to open slightly more than 8.5 inches to install. I then measured the position of the closed “jaws” on my PowerTow when it’s ready to tow/pull my Comanche. That dimension is 7 3/8 inches measured from the inner edge of the each tube that, when closed is inside the axle and secure on the nose gear. Each of the tubes on the capture arms of my Power Tow are 1 inch in diameter.
It’s not necessary for the tubes that go into the wheel axle openings to be a tight fit. A 1 inch OD tube is a good size.
I’ll be interested in what the sales department at Bogerts says.
Best,
Steve

[Frank]

Frank on October 25, 2021 at 2:13 am #21008

Hi Steve –
Thanks – I had not run across that option!
I estimated the measurements shown in the pictures below. I sent these to Bogert to see what they suggest.
Where did you find the dimensions you listed (8.75″ fully open and 7″ when fully closed)? I’m sure they must be on the Bogert website but I looked and didn’t see them. I bet it’s something obvious I’m missing.
The nose on the Aztec is long – I’m thinking the 67 inch extension would be useful… but I haven’t measured it out, and should do that.
Thanks!
-Frank.

[STEVE]

STEVE on October 21, 2021 at 8:31 pm #21005

Frank,
I failed to understand the problem. I see it now.
I suggest you try this bar: https://bogertaviation.com/products/bogi-bars-nose-wheel-aircraft?variant=1212734561.
Although it’s not shown as fitting your airplane, you can test it. The two cups (1 inch diameter tube stubs) at the ends of the capture arms spread apart 8.75 inches when fully open.
The cups on each end close to 7 inches apart when closed.
And it handle extends to 48 inches.
If your measurements show that this one will work, that good.
If not, I believe we can pick another one from Bogart; all I need is the distance the two cups need to close to for a good nose gear capture.
Steve

[STEVE]

STEVE on October 20, 2021 at 8:42 pm #21004

Hi Frank,
Did the pins fit into the two lugs on the nose gear casting??
If so, then you need to take the one you got from A/C Spruce to a friend or local welder and get it modified to work. It might take a zig and a zag to get it to engage the lugs and clear everything. The two pins are meant to engage the lugs from above.
I looked around and didn’t find a lightweight one that would fit your needs.

Steve

[Frank]

Frank on October 19, 2021 at 3:37 am #21001

Hi All –

I am looking for a lightweight towbar to carry in the front baggage compartment of my model F Aztec. This would be for occasional use, e.g. visiting an airport where I need to back into a space or make an adjustment after I shutdown. The airplane is so heavy that I’d have at least one other person pushing or pulling, so the towbar primarily needs to help with steering.

I tried the one shown in this link from Aircraft Spruce, but it didn’t work – it wasn’t possible to fit the fingers of the bar into the openings on the gear – either right-side up (the handle of the towbar wouldn’t fit under the nose), or upside down (the head of the towbar didn’t clear the tire).

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/grnd_towbars3.php

I’ve attached a picture showing a closeup of the openings…

The only towbars I have seen to date that work are adjustable monsters that wouldn’t fit into the baggage compartment (at maintenance shops). The front compartment has what looks like holders for a towbar, so I assume at one point one was available…

Can anyone point me to a site online where I can order what I need?

Thanks!
-Frank.

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