Cardinal Aviation has begun production of a light, but strong towbar that pulls all kinds of airplanes.
After years using many different types of tow bars, Mark Howell, a partner in Cardinal Aviation, found himself needing a light, but strong towbar to move different types of general aviation aircraft by hand or using a lawnmower as a tug.
He wanted one that would securely attach to the aircraft in a manner that would be secure with no chance of slipping. He wanted it lightweight to minimize damage to wheelpants while attaching it to the aircraft.
After searching and considering different types on the market, he found nothing that would accomplish what he needed, so he came up with his own design.
It worked well with the Cessna 100 and 200 series aircraft, along with the Van’s RV-9A, Mooney, Grumman and Cirrus, he noted.
The towbar works with any aircraft with a tow pin of 5/8” diameter or less or with an axle ¾” or more as with the Mooney’s and Cessna 210 series aircraft, according to Howell. An adapter was made to facilitate the Piper 28 series aircraft and another for the Beech Bonanza.
The towbar is $250.
I agree , you could make that for $15
How? Where are you getting the materials from? What’s the welding cost? What’s the powder coat cost? Please break it down?
Pretty expensive 2 pieces of pipe , I would say
Interesting Comment Marvin,
Besides the two pieces of pipe, there are 5 other parts from three different vendors. Also, to be considered is the cost to procure parts, cut, bend to fit, weld, and powder coat. After all of that some wood needs to be procured and cut to make a crate in order to ship the towbar. All in all I think $250.00 is a pretty fair price for the convenience. Kind of like buying a meal at the restaurant, anybody can make it cheaper at home, however it has value for people who don’t want to go through the trouble.