Question 1

I have an airplane with wheel pants/fairings — can the Robotow fit my type of aircraft?

Accepted Answer

No. Unfortunately, the Robotow only works with aircraft that do not have wheel pants or fairings, because the drive drum needs to make contact against the nose wheel to drive the tire. If the wheel pants can be removed, then it is possible the Robotow will work.

Question 2

I have a tail-dragger airplane and I want to hook the Robotow to it — is this possible?

Accepted Answer

No. The Robotow is not designed to move tail-dragging aircraft.

Question 3

Which size of Robotow do I need?

Accepted Answer

Currently we have three different models of Robotow that fit various aircraft using plane adapters designed for each specific aircraft type. Two models are straight-handle style — the only true difference between them is the size and chemistry of the battery pack and the operating voltage (24 or 28 volts). The third style is an adjustable-handle model designed for specific aircraft models.

Most pilots find the 28VL model with the lithium-ion battery pack is very lightweight, portable, and powerful enough to do the job — it can move a Cessna 182 over 1,000 feet on a single charge. The 24SL model uses an easily detachable 24-volt sealed-lead battery for dependable, heavy-duty operation in any climate; it typically moves a heavier Beech Baron about 600 feet on a single charge.

The 28VL adjustable-handle style Robotow is specific to plane models such as: Airglas, Cirrus, Commander, Glasair, Lancair, Mooney, Navion, and Sundowner. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions on compatibility with your aircraft — 419-331-0371.

Question 4

My Robotow is probably 20 years old and I need parts for it. Can I get these parts from the factory?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. We have had many different models over more than 50 years, and it gets harder and harder to get parts for our older models. Typically we need a picture of your unit first, and we may ask you to send it in for repair if possible.

Question 5

I have an older Robotow with a rubber drum and occasionally have slipping issues in wet conditions. Is there anything I can do to help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The first thing to try is to make sure the nose tire is properly inflated and that all grease or oil is removed from the drum. To clean the drum you can use bleach or alcohol on the rubber. Typically, the Robotow loses about 30% of its friction when the rubber becomes wet or contaminated with oil.

Question 6

I have a lip in the concrete outside the hangar — is there a trick to getting the plane over it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The best way to maneuver over an obstacle like this is to make sure the tires are properly inflated first and to take the plane over one tire at a time, working the plane in or out at a slight angle if at all possible. We also suggest using some type of small wooden or metal ramp for the two main tires and even the nose gear if needed.

Question 7

How long does the Robotow last?

Accepted Answer

Years and years with proper use! The new 28V Li-Ion battery and the 24SL sealed-lead battery have no memory issues. If the battery is fully depleted it takes about 45 minutes to charge the 28V and longer for the SL model. A single battery will move an average plane approximately 1,000 feet — we recommend purchasing an extra battery just in case. The batteries are designed to withstand hundreds of charge cycles and should be recharged often and after every use. The Robotow itself is built for heavy-duty use year after year; there are many Robotows 35 to 40 years old still in service today.

Question 8

My friend gave me his old Robotow and I wanted to know if it will fit my plane?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of plane you have. The first step is to locate your make and model on our Aircraft Adapter page. If it is not listed, it means we may not make an adapter, or we have not made one yet for your plane. Please contact us for custom adapters and questions about your plane — typically we will ask for some dimensions and pictures so that we can answer your question properly.

Question 9

Can my old Robotow be fitted with the non-slip drive drum?

Accepted Answer

No. The non-slip knurled drive drum is designed for our current models only and cannot be retrofitted on our older models — sorry.

Question 10

Can I purchase the Mooney adapter only?

Accepted Answer

The Mooney Robotow is specifically designed to work with Mooney aircraft. We do not sell the Mooney adapter separately, as it is not compatible with our other Robotow models.

Question 11

How much will shipping charges be?

Accepted Answer

Shipping charges are based on weight and destination and are calculated during checkout using UPS Ground rates. Expedited shipping is available — please contact us for an estimate on expedited charges.

Question 12

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes — however, our website is not set up to calculate international shipping rates. Please contact us if you are outside the US and wish to purchase a Robotow product so we can estimate shipping charges for you. Reach us by phone at +1 419-331-0371, or use the contact section of this website.

Straight answers.

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