Aircraft Tug Archives - Page 2 of 2

Five Key Industries that Benefit from our Electric Tug Solutions

For any business, pinpointing ways to improve efficiency is key. Streamlining operations is an important way to grow your business’s bottom line. Change and improvement remain constants for companies that challenge the notion that “this is the way we’ve always done it.” If moving heavy equipment, materials or carts is a daily task for your business, one actionable way to boost productivity (and employee safety) is to invest in a walk behind electric tug. From manufacturing operations to luxury condos – hospitals to auto repair shops, if you’re moving something heavy, we have an electric solution to help move loads more efficiently. Here are five of the unique industries our hand-tailored products serve:

Industrial/Material Handling

For many manufacturing or distribution environments, manually pushing and pulling are two common actions that place heavy strain on the body and can result in injury. Our specialized industrial cart movers take the load off of employees; allowing one person to easily maneuver carts or heavy equipment from point A to point B. Here’s how Allen Engineering utilizes our electric CartCaddy 5WP to move a large piece of equipment out on the assembly floor:

Dumpster Movers

Who are our dumpster tows best suited for? Most frequently, apartment complexes, commercial properties, multi and single-family housing, as well as restaurants and retail shops use our WasteCaddy products to relocate heavy trash containers from trash room to curbside for pick up. Our trash container movers allow one person to safely and efficiently relocate these bins over a variety of surfaces – even up inclines and on snow, sleet, ice or rain, without risking injury from strains or falls from manually moving the bins by hand. Watch how Pearl Flagler Village Apartments uses a WasteCaddy to save time & effort.

Trailer Movers

Manufacturing operations and distribution centers utilize our heavy-duty TrailerCaddy products to allow one person – no CDL required – to move loaded or unloaded trailers up to 100K lbs. around their lots, or in and out of dock doors. Additionally, trailer or RV storage and sales facilities use our trailer movers to relocate RVs on their lots or on showroom floors. Watch the video below to see why Quality Bicycle Products prefers the TrailerCaddy over an expensive yard truck.

Car & Heavy Truck Movers

Most commonly, auto dealerships, vehicle repair shops, automotive testing facilities and private car owners utilize our vehicle movers to easily push or pull vehicles along assembly lines or around crowded lots without the hassle of manually pushing, which can require 2-4 people depending on the vehicle. LAcarGuy loves using the CarCaddy Car Pusher around the dealership.

Aircrafts

The versatility and quality of our aircraft tugs are perfect for any aircraft towing application up to 35,000 lbs. for individual, FBO, or corporate aircraft ground equipment. The AircraftCaddy allows one person to easily move their aircraft in, out and around the hangar or for staging on the ramp in minutes flat. Here’s why Prescott Flying Club loves the AircraftCaddy to maneuver multiple airplanes

No matter the industry you’re in, our electric equipment moving solutions are customized to fit your company’s specific needs. Get in touch with a sales engineer today – 1-800-686-2651 to discuss your application.

What to Do and Not Do When Moving Your Small Airplane

If you work at an airfield or fly small aircraft, you’ve probably towed a plane into position by pulling on the propellers—even though you’ve been warned not to. There’s a reason why professionals use an aircraft tug.

Never Pull a Prop by the Tip

When moving a small airplane by the propellers, there’s a greater risk for damage when your hand is farther from the hub. The blades bend, the bearings loosen, and you may need to replace the entire hub earlier than you should.

Pilots and ground crews debate plenty about tugging on the props. They all agree that you should at least hold it near the hub.

Push or Pull an Aircraft by Hand?

Your propellers can handle plenty of force, but why risk injury or accident? The exertion of twisting and pulling thousands of pounds in an awkward body stance can tear a muscle or build up to a repetitive stress injury.

Moving small aircraft by hand also makes it impossible to see in every direction. In tight spaces near hangar walls or other planes, it’s worth using a walk-behind aircraft tow for better visibility.

Get an Aircraft Tug You Will Want to Use

A user-friendly aircraft towing system will reduce the temptation to pull on propellers. The Lindbergh AircraftCaddy from DJ Products lets one person do the job easily. Our tugs come with options for 4,000 to 35,000 pounds, and for aircraft with or without wheel pants.

The AircraftCaddy removes most of the manual effort for towing small planes. For operations, it saves on employee time while reducing injury and damage risk.

For a better way to move small planes in and out of hangars, contact DJ Products or explore our site for battery-powered aircraft tugs.

30,000 FAA Workers to Be Moved From Federal to Private Sector Payrolls

In an effort to save tax dollars, President Trump’s 2018 budget calls for the removal of 14,000 air traffic controllers and an additional 16,000 FAA employees from the federal workforce to a nongovernmental organization.

The White House claims reducing the FAA workforce by over 65 percent will not only benefit taxpayers but also improve service for airline passengers.

Airline industry divide on the plan

While on the federal payroll, FAA employees are subject to salary caps. That led the air traffic controllers union to support the proposal. National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) president, Paul Rinaldi notes the impact government shutdowns can have on air travel and the lack of available funding to add new controllers when needed.

When the plan was first presented to the Senate, it encountered strong bipartisan opposition. Opponents claimed reducing the FAA to the role of a regulatory oversight agency would be most damaging to smaller airports. The concern is that a privatized organization reporting to businesspeople would be more likely to overlook the interests of small airports. Resources like technical support and human resources would be primarily focused on the larger, busier airports.

Larger airlines vs smaller airports

Small airports are served by small airlines. While most people would not see much reason for large airlines to be concerned about competition from small airports, the largest airlines detest any amount of competition for passengers. Small airports must maximize manpower and be vigilant about finding ways to reduce costs.

Many airports are saving money with economical innovations like the DJ Products aircraft tug. The battery-powered tug allows one person to safely and easily maneuver aircraft in tight hangars. The sales engineers at DJ Products can help owners find the ideal aircraft tug for their business.

Are Drones Threatening to Intrude on Small Aircraft Space?

Drone traffic creates new hurdles for small aircraft operators, as we’ve now seen a drone crash into a helicopter over New York City and another collide with a plane in Canada. On the ground, we have tools like an aircraft tug to assist with traffic on the ground, but how should aviators move forward in a sky filled with civilian-operated quadcopters?

Thankfully, the recent drone encounters did not leave anyone harmed. Flying at altitudes higher than allowed in each jurisdiction, the drones damaged the helicopter and plane but did not crash through the windshield or enter a turbine.

Drone Safety Research

It was only a matter of time before a small aircraft collision with a drone. As Scientific American has reported, researchers had already been examining the possible damage and methods of avoiding such accidents. The University of Buffalo’s CRASH Lab, for example, simulates drone crashes to explore the potential damage to various aircraft parts, in every imaginable situation.

Just as airplane crashes are less common than most people think, drone accidents appear to be exceedingly rare. A report by George Mason University compares the situation to the fact that birds rarely collide with aircraft.

New Frontiers in Small Aircraft Safety

As consumer drones become more widespread, the public should become more educated about altitude regulations, air space restrictions, and general safety.

Small aircraft pilots should stay vigilant while flying low and be aware that drone operators may not respect or adhere to the law.

At DJ Products, makers of the Lindbergh aircraft tug, we help pilots and ground crews save time and avoid injuries that occur maneuvering around the hangar and runway. A battery-powered aircraft tug gives you one less thing to worry about in a constantly changing world.

Fun Facts: Forbes’ Amazing Facts About Private Jets

The mention of private jets usually conjures up images of celebrities, wealth and glamour. While those qualities are certainly part of it, the business aviation industry makes a valuable contribution to the country’s economy, employing 1.2 million people and generating a whopping $150 billion each year.

Here are some other fascinating and little-known facts about private jets as revealed by Forbes:

• The United States comprises 49.7 percent of the world’s private jet market, more than double the number of Europe at 20.8 percent.

• Average hourly charter rates range from $1,674 for a Citation Mustang to $8,640 for a Gulfstream 550.

• Van Nuys (CA) Airport, the busiest general aviation airport in the world, is the site of more than 259,000 takeoffs and landings each year. Teterboro in New Jersey is the top domestic airport for international travel, while Vnukovo in Russia is number one in Europe.

• Not surprisingly, the Super Bowl generates the most single-event private jet travel.

• Nearly all private jets pale in comparison to the most expensive model in the world, the Airbus A380 owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud. Splashy features such as a two-car garage, a stable for horses and camels, and a rotating prayer room drove the estimated cost to more than $500 million.

Maneuver Through Hangars with Ease Using a Small Airplane Mover from DJ Product

Whether you need a small airplane mover or a dumpster tugger, DJ Products has a battery-powered material handler to fulfill your needs. Use our convenient online chat feature to get assistance from our expert sales engineers.

US Navy Signs on the Dotted Line on $4.3 Billion Aircraft Carrier Deal

To the shock of some financial observers, the U.S. Navy has agreed to terms for a second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier from Huntington Ingalls. The contractor is the Navy’s only source for nuclear-powered carriers.

The construction of the first ship (in a planned four-ship series) has ballooned in costs beyond congressional expectations. Total price tags have been estimated at around $14 billion. This second ship, to be named the USS John F. Kennedy, has been commissioned with contracts totaling $4.3 billion. The price tag will grow, but Navy leadership stands by a current estimate of $11.5 billion or less.

High Costs to Keep Navy’s Aircraft Carriers Afloat

The Department of Defense has already spent nearly $5 billion on R&D for the Ford class. With the design and planning largely taken care of, the Navy decided to forge ahead with the additional carriers.

The Navy has been operating with fewer than the congressionally mandated 11 aircraft carriers it must employ. Despite calls for smaller or fewer carriers, military leadership has decided to go the current route — enormous, nuclear-powered carriers with a variety of advanced features. Following the retirement of a carrier in 2014, the two new Ford-class ships will bring the Navy’s total number of carriers back to 11.

The Navy can employ GSA-approved equipment to help streamline operations on aircraft carriers. Military and DoD truck and trailer moving vehicles can help move and relocate aircraft, transport maintenance carts, and haul heavy tanks of jet fuel around an aircraft carrier.

For more info on military and DoD truck and trailer moving and other GSA equipment solutions, visit DJProducts.com.

Electric Aircraft – the Newest Trend in Aviation

Ground vehicles are not the only form of transportation making strides in eco-friendly technology. Before long, your aircraft tugs may be pulling electric planes and helicopters in and out of hangars.

What’s New in Alternative Power Sources for Aircraft?

Rapidly developing technology is advancing a number of potential green alternatives to traditional fuel-dependent aircraft. Options in development include super capacitors that may be able to partially or completely replace batteries, along with range extenders such as fuel cells and multiple energy harvesting.

Electric power is finding its way into all levels of aircraft, ranging from gliders and sailplanes up to helicopters and airliners. Hybrid vehicles feature electric nose wheel drives that turn aircraft into electric-powered vehicles on the ground.

Benefits of Electric Aircraft

• Electric aircraft are quieter, enabling near-silent take-off and landing of feeder aircraft.

• Electricity burns cleaner, reducing air and ground pollution.

• Dependence on foreign oil sources is greatly reduced.

• Aircraft contribute less to global warming.

• Aircraft safety is greatly improved. For example, electric backup could allow a helicopter to complete a controlled landing in the event of a system failure.

• Leisure aircraft can be completely powered by solar cells in hangars.

• The aircraft industry has expanded and modernized, creating additional applications for new electrical components and systems.

Electric-Powered Aircraft Tugs: Another Eco-Friendly Solution

Battery powered electric aircraft tugs from DJ Products are powerful enough to handle vehicles up to 35,000 pounds, but they are easy enough for one person to maneuver. Visit our website and use our convenient online chat feature to get assistance from one of our helpful sales engineers.

Highlighting the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug For Towing Small Aircraft

Lindbergh Aircraft Tug

Anyone who works with small aircraft knows that towing and moving planes can be difficult and taxing without the right equipment. The Lindbergh Aircraft Tug uses advanced technology to produce a simple, one-person solution with incredible and reliable performance. When you need to park aircraft in a cramped hangar or tow the plane across bumpy terrain, the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug gets it done for you.

Unlike gas-powered devices, the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug relies on powerful 12V batteries for smooth acceleration and braking. The long-lasting battery powers a day’s work and quickly recharges in any standard 110V outlet. Premium features like the heavy-duty steel frame and non-marking tires bring great value in terms of both performance and durability.

Operating your aircraft tow tug requires little more than walking alongside it and slowly, gently maneuvering it in and out of your hangar. The same technology used to bring comfort and safety to the rigorous work of warehouse material handling inspired the comfortable and easy-to-use grip and handlebars on the AircraftCaddy. The twist grip even works for righties and lefties alike. When it’s time to fly, you can pack up the handlebar system for easy storage.

The AircraftCaddy provides everything you need for simple, powerful performance:

Tow aircraft in inclement weather or across harsh terrain
Available in weight-rated sizes ranging from the 4K Jr. to the 35K model
Quiet motor ensures safety and easy communications on the ground
Operates smoothly at speeds of 0–2 mph

Make life easier in and around the hangar with an aircraft tow tug that works the way you need it to. Talk to a Sales Engineer at 1-800-686-2651 to discuss ordering and custom options for any size aircraft designed for small owner/operators, up to corporate FBO’s.

Emergency Landing at Philadelphia Airport Takes Center Stage

A problem with the landing gear of a corporate jet that was bound for Mexico resulted in flight delays for thousands of people flying into and out of Philadelphia International Airport. Speaking for the airport, Diane Gerace said the jet was a Hawker 400 flying out of New Jersey. It made an emergency landing at about 7:30 p.m. on June 4, 2015. None of the five people on board were injured, but firefighters immediately sprayed the front of the aircraft with fire-resistant foam once it came to a stop. It is unknown at this time what caused the malfunction with the landing gear.

Little things can make a big difference

This incident demonstrates how small things can have a big impact in the aviation industry. The ripple effect of this plane’s mechanical problems spread to many people and delayed flights for most of the following day. But the little thing that makes a big difference does not always have to be a negative. Lindbergh Aircraft Tugs from DJ Products have transformed the Aircraft Tugger industry. They are quiet and make it easy for one person to smoothly maneuver aircraft of up to 35,000 lbs. The most reliable and efficient movers in the Aircraft Tugger industry, these tugs are powered by electric motors and eliminate the jerkiness, noise, and pollution common with gas powered tows.

Call 800.686.2651 today and talk with a courteous and knowledgeable Sales Engineer about how our aircraft tugs can make life easier for you. We have custom options available for all sizes of aircraft from small planes to corporate jets.