AC Air Technology AC TRACKTECH T1X4 User manual

Instruction Manual MODEL: AC TRACKTECH T1X4
World’s First Portable, Remote-Control Aircraft Tugs
95582 Rev. A

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1. ComponentsTable of Contents
1. Components .......................................................................3
1-1 Components in the Box .........................................................................3
1-2 Tug Components ...................................................................................4
1-3 Spare Parts ...........................................................................................5
1-4 Track Tools ............................................................................................6
1-5 On-Board Parts Box ..............................................................................8
2. Start Up Guide ....................................................................9
2-1 Remote Control Operation ....................................................................9
2-2 Operating the Tug ................................................................................ 11
2-3 Adjusting the Wheel Cradle .................................................................13
2-4 Adjusting the Tire Guide Spacers ........................................................17
2-5 Adjusting Track Tension .......................................................................19
2-6 Loading the Aircraft Wheel ..................................................................21
2-7 Unloading the Airplane Wheel .............................................................22
2-8 Lifting the Wheel Cradle Ramp ...........................................................23
Setup A: Installing Shims Permanantely ............................................23
Setup B: Installing Shims for Occasional Use ...................................25
2-9 Charging the Tug .................................................................................27
2-10 Charging the Remote Controller ........................................................28
2-11 Replacing the Remote Control Batteries ...........................................29
3. Stowable Feature .............................................................31
3-1 Disassemble Tug .................................................................................31
3-2 Reassemble tug ..................................................................................35
4. Troubleshooting ...............................................................38
5. Warranty ............................................................................42

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1. Components
1-1 Components in the Box
1. Components
Tug
Booster Plate
Tug Charger
Radio Transmitter Battery Tray Radio Charger
Owners Manual Spare Parts Bag
Foam Stand
(Part of tug shipping foam)

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1. Components
1-2 Tug Components
1. Components
Wheel Cradle Ramp
Rear Cradle Gate
Power Switch
Cradle Release Lever
Tug Charging Port
Right Rail-Track
Assembly
Left Rail-Track
Assembly
Electronics Cover
Electronics Mainplate
Assembly
Cradle Mainplate
Assembly

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1. Components
1-3 Spare Parts
Pins
Spare Track Parts
Links
Retainer Clips
Treads
Track Install Tools Fuses
4 Amp Light Fuse
10 Amp Circuit Board Fuse
Retainer Clip Tool

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1-4 Track Tools
1. Components
Track Pin Groove
Track Pin
Retainer Clip
Teeth Facing
Outward
Track Pin
Retainer Clip
(Teeth Pointing Down)
The track tools are used to assist in the installation of new tracks.
This section is intended to show how the tools are used only. A detailed instruction
guide is provided when purchasing new tracks. Refer to that instruction guide when
installing new tracks.
When the retainer clip is properly installed into the track pin groove is should rotate
freely inside of the groove.

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The Track Pin Tools are used to assist in the installation of new tracks when the
they are too tight making it diffi cult to align the pin holes.
Insert the track pin tools on the inside and outside adjacent pins to the missing pin
hole. You will need to hold these in place by hand.
Adjacent Pin
Missing Pin Hole
Track Pin Tools Adjacent Pin

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1-5 On-Board Parts Box
1. Components
The On-Board Parts Box contains spare track links, clips, and tools to quickly replace
or repair tracks. It also includes cradle shims and mounting screws to lift the wheel
cradle ramp away from the ground. When the ground is very uneven the wheel cradle
ramp may hit the ground preventing the aircraft from loading.These components are
located on-board the tug, underneath the electronics cover.
Rotoclip Install Tool
Track Links / Shims
Parts Box
Shim Mounting Screws
with Attached Lock Washer
Cradle Shim Mounting Screws
Cradle Shims
Rotoclip

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1. Components
2-1 Remote Control Operation
2. Start Up Guide
Note:
The 3 Speed Toggle ranges from fast, to moderate, to slow. When operating the tug at
slow speed it may be neccessary to switch to the moderate or fast speed mode on the
toggle when turning. Factors such as terrain and incline may aff ect the maneuverability of
the tug. Adjust speed modes at your discretion.
Control Stick
Latch Switch
Power Indicator
LED
ON/OFF
Switch
Light Switch
3 Speed Toggle
Charging Indicator
LED
Charging Jack
Lanyard Anchor
1. Switch the remote control ON. The power indicator light turns on and the remote
control beeps once. If this does not happen, check the remote control battery con-
nection for proper installation. When the battery level is low, the remote control will
begin to beep repeatedly, signaling to replace or recharge the batteries.

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2. To drive the tug, move the control stick in the desired direction.
Forward
Right
Reverse
Left
ON
Reverse
Right
Forward
Left
If the remote controller is not used for a few minutes it will start
beeping as a indicator that it is still in the ON position. This is not
an indicator of a low battery.
The control stick on the remote controller is very sensitive and
will cause the tug to move if it is moved accidentally. Turn OFF
the remote controller when not in use.
Warning:
Note:

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1. Components
2-2 Operating the Tug
2. Start Up Guide
ON/OFF Button/Power Indicator
Circuit Breaker Access Hole
1. Before turning on the tug, make sure the tracks and bottom of the tug are free from
obstruction.
2. Turn the tug on using the ON/OFF switch. There will be a short series of beeps
and then the ON/OFF switch will illuminate red to show the tug is on. The ON/OFF
switch light will be on solid when the battery is fully charged. When the tug battery is
low the ON/OFF switch light will blink and there will also be a beeping sound.
3. Turn on the power switch on the radio controller. The power indicator LED will illumi-
nate green/blue in color.
It is recommended you practice maneuvering the tug prior
It is recommended you practice maneuvering the tug prior
to loading the plane.
to loading the plane.
4. It is recommended to use the radio in fast speed mode. Moderate and Slow speed
mode should be used when maneuvering in tight quarters as it reduces the tugs
power output.
5. When towing your airplane ALWAYS be cautious of the steering angle limitations of
your aircraft. Do not over steer your aircraft with the tug. This can cause damage to
your gear.

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Check for proper seating and alignment.
6. After lifting the tug off of the ground for any reason or taking it in and out of your air-
craft, you must check the sprockets for proper seating along the tracks. If the sprock-
et is not properly seated it could result in damage to the track.
7. Visually check tracks for wear on the treads and wear on the inner plastic surfaces.
Also inspect for damaged or missing retainer clips as a result of driving over small
rocks. Damaged treads should be replaced before operating the tug.

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1. Components
2-3 Adjusting the Wheel Cradle
2. Start Up Guide
1. When towing a non-fairing aircraft the front and back cradle gates should be adjusted
in the fully extended position. For aircraft with fairings, adjust the cradle gates to the
lowest setting. If in the lowest setting and extra clearance is needed, position the
Booster Plate on the center of the maplate between the tire guide spacers.
2. To adjust the front gate remove the fl at head screws from each side and slide the
right and left ramp blocks to the desired position. Then reinstall the fl at head screws
on each side. Note: It may be easier to remove these screws with the link locking
pins removed.
Ramp Blocks
Flat Head Screw
Flat Head Screw
Link Locking Pins
Booster Plate

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3. Adjust the back gate loosen the 4 fl at head screws on the back of the gate. Then slide
the right and left sliders to the desired position. Tighten all 4 of the fl at head screws-
Note: It may be easier to remove these screws with the link locking pins removed.
Right and Left Sliders
Flat Head Screws
4. Use the cradle release lever to un-latch the cradle and position the wheel cradle in
the down position. Adjust the connecting links to the longest length by removing the
link locking pins and extending the links. Then re-insert the link locking pins in the
link holes.
Wheel cradle to be in “down’ position
Connecting Links Cradle Release Lever

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5. Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires of plane to ensure the plane does not ro-
back.
6. Drive tug under the wheel of the plane until the wheel cradle locks in the upright
position. The wheel should be touching the back gate as shown.
Wheel touching here

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7. Remove the adjustment pins and push the front side of cradle until it is touching
the tire and re-install the pins. If the pins cannot be installed while the front side is
touching the tire, move the front side of cradle away from the tire until the pin can be
inserted into the next closest hole. You do not want this to be too tight on the tire. Do
not force the adjustment pins in.
8. Release the latch using the radio and back the tug out from under the plane. Drive
the tug back under the tire to check that the wheel cradle is set up correctly and to
ensure the cradle is latching securely. When releasing the latch always make sure
the wheel is against the back gate. If not, the latch may not release properly.
Adjustment Pins
Push this side up
towards the tire Cradle Back Gate

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1. Components
2-4 Adjusting the Tire Guide Spacers
2. Start Up Guide
Adjustment Pin
Tire Guide Spacer
1. If the tire guide spacers are in the widest position and your tire does not fi t or it is too
close of a fi t, remove the tire guide spacers and adjustment pins.
Widest Postion

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2. Adjust the tire guide spacers by removing the adjustment pin and sliding the spacers
towards eachother. Ideally the tire guide spacers should move the same distance
on each side to keep the tire centered in the cradle. The distance between the tire
guide spacers should equal the width of your tire plus one inch maximum.
3. Align each tire guide spacer to the nearest hole in the adjustment pin block. Insert
the adjustment pin in the nearest hole position to secure in place. Adjusting the
spacers correctly will prevent the tire from turning inside the cradle.
Width of your tire
plus 1” max

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1. Components
2-5 Adjusting Track Tension
2. Start Up Guide
Track tension may need to be adjusted after several hours of use. Follow the instruc-
tions below for each track.
1. Remove 6 track cover screws and remove the outside plastic track cover.
Track Cover Screws
Plastic Track Cover
2. Loosen three front rail end retainer screws. It may be necessary to rotate the large
sprocket to get to one of the retainer screws.
3 Retainer Screws
on outer Side of Rail

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3. Push the rail end forward using a small pry bar to tighten up the track. There should
be about a 1/2” of play at the center of the track.
Push Rail
End Forward
1/2” Up and Down Play at Center of Track
4. Tighten up all 3 retainer screws and reinstall the plastic track covers.
Install Plastic Track Cover Using 6 Screws.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the other track.