Powertow 35/40/KeyEZ/Thundervolt
Powertow 35/40/KeyEZ/Thundervolt
Operating Instructions
Please take a few minutes to read! Maybe even re-read them.
Five minutes of reading is worth it to avoid damage to your beautiful bird.
Try the Powertow out in the open, before attaching it to your plane.
TRANSMISSION / Hookup: The transmission has three positions, Forward - Neutral - Reverse.
Neutral is the center detent. Roll the machine up to the plane in neutral and hook up to aircraft.
(Review EZ Hook-Up on previous page) Always start the unit in neutral.
GAS UNITS: Move throttle control to the chock position to start the engine and return to run after
starting. Move throttle control back approximately 2/3 for best torque when running.
ELECTRIC UNITS - Turn on motor.
HANGARING AIRCRAFT: Move the shift rod in the direction you want to go.
IF SHIFT ROD DOES NOT FALL INTO GEAR - ENGAGE CLUTCH HANDLE MOMENTARILY.
To move the airplane, squeeze the clutch handle slowly. A slight down pressure on the Powertow
handle, and away you go. Release clutch to stop drive.
Releasing: When you release the clutch handle, the drive belt should disengage completely, there
should be no creeping when attached to aircraft. (If there is, refer back to set-up instructions).
A slight creep is okay when unit is not hooked to aircraft. Run the unit out in the open for a few
minutes to break in a new belt. You can also stop by lifting the Powertow handle up.
STEERING: Steering is accomplished by lifting and shifting the Powertow handle left or right just
like a hand towbar. In the case of a heavy plane, especially with cold tires, a rocking technique,
with power applied, and using down handle pressure at the right time will get the plane rolling.
TIPS: To get a heavy plane over door rails or ledges, a moderate amount of speed is necessary so
that the momentum of aircraft mass will help carry it over the rail. Building up a long tapered ramp
in front of a ledge will also help. Icy surfaces are naturally a traction problem. A bit of sand spread
around will help, snow chains are available. Wing walk for the Powertow drive tire is great for
traction on smooth painted hangar floors.
Now here's a good tip. Get up kind of early on Saturday morning, and get out to the airport
before the rest of the hangar bums get there. Pull your plane out of the hangar, by hand for the last
time, and get it out on the apron well away from all hard objects. Go through the above procedures
until you really have it down. By the time those guys show up, you will have become super
proficient and will be able to put on one hell-of-a-show. Always anchor chock blocks at the rear of
your main wheel position in the hangar to prevent inadvertent travel through the rear of your
hangar.
LAST TIP: If you really want to get smart, re-read this stuff after you have actually used the
machine a few times - it will be more meaningful.
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