INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Best Tugs Family!

We hope this tug lives up to your expectations and builds your love of aviation for
years to come.

Please read this manual. This guide is here to provide information that will help you
familiarize yourself with your tug, get more out of it, and use it safely.

After you’ve read this manual and still have any questions about functionality or safe
use, please give us a call. Also, please remember we love our customers and will always
be excited to discuss any questions you might have. We will do whatever we can to
make sure you and your plane are both safe while using your Best Tugs product.

- Team Best Tugs

Best Tugs
3573 North Main Street
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
800.914.2003
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GETTING STARTED 6. Push the master switch to the “on” position.

Uncrating 7. Right thumb pressure will move the tug forward. Slowly increase
pressure on the throttle with your right thumb and drive your tug
Please read these instructions before beginning. Tools Needed:
out of the crate.
For any questions call us at 800.914.2003 - Phillips Head Screw
Driver (Drill/Impact FIG 3
Preferred)
8. Once out of the crate, carefully rotate your tug forward and rest
1. Start by removing the screws marked with red paint from the - Knife/Scissors
the aluminum base on the ground.
lid marked with red “1”. Remove top lid from crate. Be sure to place foam from crate or some other padding between
aluminum base and ground to
avoid scuffs. (FIG 3)
2. On side 4 (FIG 1) of the crate, cut the two black retaining
straps.
1 3
2
9. Remove the kickstand from inside of the crate. With the provided
5/32 allen wrench, screw the kickstand to the back of the Alpha’s
3. On the opposite end of the crate, the required wall will be
marked with red “4” and stripes, remove the screws securing 4 control arm.
the end wall to the crate. Remove end wall. (FIG 2) FIG 1
10. Attach your Best Tugs to your aircraft. Email cool pictures of
your tug and plane to [email protected]. We like to keep a
4. In the crate, cut the band securing the control arm. picture of your aircraft and tug in our files. You may also see it on
our website and social media. (With your permission of course)
5. Grab handle and pivot the tug up with weight resting on the
tires. Most importantly, enjoy your new Best Tugs!

FIG 2

2 3
WHAT’S IN THE CRATE? CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS
Adapters may not be included depending on 1. POWER SWITCH
your plane type. If you have more planes you’d Turns tug on and off. Do not leave
like to move with your tug, give us a call and we 4 tug turned on for long periods of
time or while charging to avoid
can ship the appropriate adapters out to you. draining the batteries.
Items Depending on Aircraft 2. LED LIGHT
2 Make sure this switch is off while
External Charger Connecting Arms tug is charging.

3. HIGH / LOW (A3 only)

High will move your plane at a
higher speed. Low is great for safe
movements around your hangar.
1 3 4. OVER CENTER LOCK
The locking arm travels in an
arching motion. When locking,
5 make sure the arm is fully rotated
down and secured in place.
Quick Connect Pins - 3 Adapters

6 5. VARIABLE SPEED THROTTLE

Right thumb pressure moves tug
3 2 forward, left thumb pressure moves
tug backward.
1
Storage slot when pivoting 6. DIGITAL READ OUT
Displays your tug’s state of charge.

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INITIAL SET UP Pivoting Base
Drop Pin Most customers prefer their tug to pivot while
Make sure you are comfortable with the throttle and pulling their aircraft because it eliminates
functionality of the tug before moving your plane. the need to pick up and move the tug when
turning. The same feature that makes pulling
Check your plane’s POH to verify the maximum turn radius so incredibly easy can make pushing feel a
for your particular nose gear. The tug can turn your plane FIG 1 little awkward when you first get your tug. It will
at an angle that may exceed the nose gear’s maximum turn Slide drive like backing up a trailer, meaning it will
radius. Best Tugs assumes no responsibility for any damage drive the opposite of where you turn.
caused by tug operator misusing the equipment. As the
operator, you have the responsibility to be familiar with
Once you are used to the throttle, start/stop Pin in slot locks base in place
your plane and its specific limitations.
speeds, and movements of the tug, we strongly
First Time Set Up recommend you push/pull your plane in an
open area to familiarize yourself with how your
3 2
1. Right Connecting Arm - Pull out Drop Pin and spin the plane moves. Pushing may take a few tries 1
Slide out so the open end is as close as possible to the before you’re comfortable, but it is easy once Storage slot when pivoting
center of the connecting arm. (FIG 1) you find your own system.
FIG 2 FIG 4
2. Left Connecting Arm - Repeat step one process on left arm. If you prefer to use your Best Tugs with the
pivoting base locked, simply place pin 3 back
3. Rotate locking arm upwards to open right connecting in the lock slot. Make sure the pin seats as
arm and move the tug so the Slides are closely positioned
shown. (FIG 4)
to the tow pin. Close the arms. (FIG 2 & 3) Slides are not
expected to close on tow pin for movement in this step.
Go to besttugs.com/pages/videos for instructional
4. Twist Slides until firmly attached to tow point. Correct set videos and tips for moving your plane.
up should leave very little to no slop on the connection.

5. Wiggle tug slightly to confirm the pins are being firmly FIG 3
cupped and secured.
6 7
 Loading Your Plane Unloading Your Plane
Be sure to turn off the
Double check your plane to make sure it is correctly attached power to the tug when 1. Chock aircraft mains.
and the First Time Setup instructions were followed. approaching aircraft.
2. Make sure the tug is in line with your plane.
1. Drive up to within 1-2 feet of the airplane. Use locking If anything ever looks
arm to open left connecting arm. Turn power OFF and wrong or like it may 3. Rotate locking arm upwards to open the arms. (FIG 5)
manually push tug into position. We strongly recommend damage your aircraft, FIG 5
following this step in case you accidentally bump the please call us. 4. Make sure the connecting arms are going to easily clear
throttle while close to your aircraft. 800.914.2003 your plane as you pull the tug away from the aircraft.

2. Position tug with arms on either side of the plane. Switching Out Arms
3. Insert right arm into/onto tow connection. 1. Pull the detention pin holding the connecting arm in
place and slide out connecting arm.
4. Use locking arm to close left connecting arm.
2. Insert new connecting arm, reinsert pin.
Moving Your Plane FIG 6
Attaching Trailer Attachment (option)
We strongly recommend moving your tug without aircraft attached to get used to the controls and
movements. Make sure you familiarize yourself with how long it takes for your plane to ramp down 1. Remove both connecting arms with accompanying pins from tug.
and stop. That “coasting” is due to the software that protects your nose gear from unnecessary
damage and stress. Take the time to get used to this feature and be aware as you move your aircraft. 2. Insert trailer attachment connections into connecting arm
slots. Insert pins to secure the attachment in place. (FIG 6)
Check the surroundings of the plane, remove any obstructions, and verify wheel chocks have
been removed. Slow and steady movements are always recommended when moving your 3. To change the ball size, push down and rotate the center
plane. Right thumb will move forward, left thumb will move backward. As you are moving of the ball counter clockwise, (FIG 7) the center will spring
your plane, be sure your nose gear can make the turns you are taking. As the operator, you are up, freeing the ball. Put on the desired size, push center
FIG 7
responsible for knowing the limitations of your specific aircraft. down and rotate clockwise to lock ball into place.
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CONTINUED USE Storage

Store your tug in an area that is dry and safe from

Maintenance the elements. Limited exposure to rain and snow will
not affect the electrical systems, however extended
Tighten wheel lugs once a quarter to 70 ft/lbs. exposure is not recommended. If you would like
a cloth storage cover for your tug, give us a call at
Battery Care 800.914.2003.

Charging your tug is as simple as plugging in the included Charge your tug whenever the charge status reads
smart charger to the wall and the AV cord into the tug. To less than 70%. If you do not plan on using your tug
determine the accurate status of your battery’s charge, for an extended period of time, be sure your tug is
leave the tug at rest for more than 60 seconds. Charge turned off and plugged in before leaving. Our Smart
your tug when the battery falls below 70% when at rest for Charge™ technology will take care of the rest.
optimal battery life. The tug constantly calculates the state of Screw 1 Screw 2
charge which is why the percentage fluctuates while moving Warranty
your plane.
Best Tugs™ includes a 1 year standard warranty on parts and 1 year warranty on the drive train
FIG 8
Make sure your Master Switch and LED Light are both from date of delivery. Warranty excludes labor and cost of shipping. If you purchased the 3
turned off when charging. Leaving them on will damage year warranty for $495, the same standard warranty will apply for the full 3 year period.
your batteries. We use Duracell Ultra Gel deep cycle
batteries. When your batteries are beginning to wear out This warranty does not apply to any Best Tugs™ component part(s) that have damage caused
you will notice shorter times between needed charges. by: misuse of the tug, accidents, collision or object striking the tug, vandalism, fire, explosion,
water damage, customer-applied chemicals to painted surfaces, improper handling or
Replacement batteries can be picked up at most local application, nor does it extend to the Best Tugs™ parts which have been repaired or altered
battery stores. To access the batteries, take off the four (4) outside of Best Tugs™ provided maintenance of an authorized service representative. Furthermore,
Allen screws with a 5/32” wrench which will release the Screw 3 Screw 4 any modification of the Best Tugs™ MUST be pre-approved and documented in writing by Best
cover. (FIG 8 & FIG 9) Tugs™. Failure to do so voids the warranty.
FIG 9

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 Error Code Translations TROUBLESHOOTING
Most codes are safely reset by turning the tug off, waiting five seconds, then back on
again. Common codes are underlined. If system fails to reset please contact Best Tugs at Question Solution
800.914.2003 for assistance.
Left tug on and A cheap 12 volt battery charger (commonly found at Walmart)
Blue LED Light off: System powered down after 20 minutes of no use. batteries are dead can sometimes save the batteries. If recovery is unsuccessful,
Blue LED Light on: Controller operational, no faults. replacement batteries can be purchased at most battery/
automotive stores in the U.S.
All codes have two parts. Count the sequence of flashes (*) to identify code

1,1 * * Aircraft Chocked or Brake Set Power Switch is “on” but Turn tug’s Power Switch off and back on to reset the computer,
1,2 * ** Throttle Fault tug is not moving tug will turn off computer after 20 minutes of inactivity
1,3 * *** Speed Limit Fault
1,4 * **** Low Battery (Charge Required ASAP)
1,5 * ***** Over Voltage (Unplug tug before use) Started to move plane, tug See Error Code Translations on page 11 for details
2,1 ** * Main Contactor Driver Failed Open stopped, light flashing
2,3 ** *** Main Contactor Stuck, driver fail, or brake coil
2,4 ** **** Main Contactor Driver Failed Closed
3,1 *** * HPD Fault
3,2 *** ** Brake on (Electromagnetic brake open or shorted)
3,3 *** *** Pre Charge Fault (Low Battery)
3,4 *** **** Brake Off (Electromagnetic Brake open or shorted)
3,5 *** ***** HPD Fault (Throttle was engaged when tug was turned on)
4,1 **** * Current Fault (controller failure, motor or wire failure)
4,2 **** ** Motor voltage (short in motor or wiring)
4,3 **** *** EEPROM Failure
4,4 **** **** Power Section Fault

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