Aircraft Tugs
Battery powered aircraft tugs that let one person move aircraft from 4,000 to 35,000 lb in and out of the hangar. Walk-behind and rider models, each quoted in writing for your aircraft and nose gear.
- Tows 4,000 to 35,000 lb
- On a flat floor
- 8 models
- Compared below
- Freight to your ZIP
- On your quote before you order
- Written quote
- Machine, options, freight and build time
Models
No model matches all of these. Clear a filter, or tell us the job and we will find the machine.
Buying guide
Pick an aircraft tug by the heaviest aircraft you move, its nose gear and the length of the move. The eight tugs here cover aircraft from 4,000 to 35,000 lb.
Aircraft weight
Size the tug to the maximum ramp weight of your heaviest aircraft. The 4K Jr. is rated to 4,000 lb, and the 4K and 8K tug comes in a 4,000 lb or an 8,000 lb rating. The Magic Arm 8K moves up to 8,000 lb.
The 15K, the 15K Magic Arm and the Rider and Walkie move up to 15,000 lb. The 35K and the DNW move up to 35,000 lb. Ratings are for level ground, and a nine tooth gear option adds torque for slopes on several models.
Nose gear and loading
The attachment that meets your nose wheel matters as much as the motor. Wheel cradles and wheel guides suit aircraft with or without wheel pants, and the 15K suits retractable gear best.
The DNW carries dual nose wheels on a turntable and takes single nose wheels too. To load without lifting, pick a Magic Arm model, which loads the nose wheel under power, or add an electric winch.
Walk-behind or rider
Seven of the eight tugs are walk-behind and run at 0 to 2 mph, so the operator keeps the wingtips and tail in view. The Rider and Walkie lets the operator ride at up to 5 mph, which pays off on long moves across a ramp or apron.
Hangar space
The 4K Jr. is 26 inches wide. The 4K and 8K, the Magic Arm models, the 15K, the 35K and the Rider and Walkie are 40.5 to 41 inches wide, and the DNW is 56 inches wide. Most models have handlebars that come off for shipping and storage.
What to send for a quote
- The heaviest aircraft type and its maximum ramp weight
- The nose gear, the nose tire size and any wheel pants
- The hangar floor or ramp surface and the steepest slope
- How far you move the aircraft
- Your delivery ZIP code
We check the job against the machine and send a written quote with the model, the options and freight.
Questions
Do these tugs need a tow bar?
No. The nose wheel rides on the tug in a cradle or wheel guide, held by a strap or winch. Wheel axle and strut axle tow bars are options on some models.
Will a tug work outside in snow?
The 35K is built to move aircraft in snow, sleet and grass. On the smaller tugs, foam filled turf tires, snow tires and snow chains are options.
How are aircraft tugs charged?
Most have an onboard charger, and the 4K Jr. charges from a standard 120 volt outlet. A DC power supply with a 10 foot cord and lithium batteries are options on several models.
Can a tug move a trailer too?
Yes. A ball hitch mounting bracket is an option on several models, so the tug can also move small trailers.
How heavy an aircraft can an electric tug move?
The 4K Jr. moves aircraft to 4,000 lb, the Magic Arm 8K to 8,000 lb, the 15K, the 15K Magic Arm and the Rider and Walkie to 15,000 lb, and the 35K and the dual nose wheel DNW to 35,000 lb. Send us the aircraft type and nose gear and we confirm the tug.
How do I get a price?
Call us or send the form. Tell us what you move, the route and your ZIP. We send a written quote with the machine, freight and build time.
How does it arrive?
Most machines go by freight truck from the factory. Parts and smaller items can go by FedEx or UPS. Freight to your ZIP is on your quote before you order. Rush and overnight shipping cost extra. We sell and ship to US addresses only.
What warranty comes with it?
EK Tech covers Pony Express tuggers for 2 years on the frame and drive and 1 year on other parts. For DJ Products and Autoquip equipment, ask us.
Get a written quote
Get a written quote
Tell us what you need. We call you back with a written quote.