Iron Tire Aircraft Flat Tire Dolly (20,000 lbs. Capacity)

Product Description

• The Iron Tire has a weight capacity of 18,000 lbs., covering a large variety of single and twin engine airplanes.
• The Iron Tire is equipped with two universal tow bar attachments so the dolly can be quickly towed to the airplane and easily moved around the hangar.
• The Iron Tire can be used on a flat tire no matter what condition the flat is in. If the tire is off of the bead, shredded, bound in a brake caliper, or just simply flat, our product will still get the job done.
• The Iron Tire does not touch any part of the airplane other than the tire itself. This protects the user from causing further physical damage to aircraft components such as brake lines, linkages, seals, shrouds, paint, or other structural parts.
• The Iron Tire does not require the aircraft to move or roll when being used. In fact, aircraft mechanics providing design feedback suggest not rolling a flat tire even a few inches.
• Because the device only has heavy duty swivel casters, perfect alignment of the device with the aircraft is not an issue since the product is self-aligning (extending the lifetime of the casters).
• The Iron Tire has a multi directional frame and does not rely on single-direction pulleys or wenches. This makes the process of separating the aircraft from the dolly quick and easy.

How should the aircraft be jacked and aligned before loading onto the 20,000 lb dolly?

Before loading the aircraft, the Iron Tire dolly should be in its closed operating position. Tow or hand-tow the dolly to the aircraft with the frame closed. Make sure the dolly wheels are aligned in the same direction as the aircraft’s landing gear, so everything tracks straight during movement.

Once positioned, lift the hydraulic cylinder extension off the spoon attachment, widen the frame using the actuator screw, and align the spoons evenly around the flat tire. Retract the frame until the spoons are fully under the tire and the frame is within 1 inch of fully closed.
At this point, the manual hydraulic handle can be used to pump the lifting mechanism, which will then lift the tire. Lift the tire just clear of the ground, stopping as soon as the mechanical stops contact the frame.

Finally, fit the ratchet strap centrally over the tire and tighten it firmly, particularly on a nose wheel. Once secured, the dolly effectively acts as the wheel, allowing the aircraft to be safely towed.

What is the maximum towing speed and operating procedure for moving a larger aircraft using this dolly?

The maximum recommended towing speed when using this dolly is 5 miles per hour, which is standard practice for towing aircraft. The dolly is designed to operate safely at this speed across all aircraft types.

In normal operation, the aircraft should never be towed faster than 5 mph, and speed should be reduced further when turning or manoeuvring. Ensure that the dolly turns with the nose gear to ensure the landing gear remains stable and does not slip while the aircraft is being moved.

While some operators, particularly in military environments, may work to different procedures, the equipment itself is designed around a maximum towing speed of 5 mph. For safe operation, especially with larger aircraft, slower speeds and smooth, controlled movements are always recommended.

Are there any ramp surface, weather or gradient limitations when using the dolly?

The dolly should be operated on firm, level ground, as you would typically find on a standard airport ramp or runway. It is not designed for use on steep gradients; in normal operation, gradients should be no more than around 1%, which is in line with most airport surfaces.

Care should also be taken with surface conditions. The dolly should not be used on slippery surfaces, such as in icy or very wet conditions, where there is a risk of reduced traction or loss of control. As long as the surface is firm, level, and dry, and within the limits of a standard runway environment, the dolly can be used safely.