AIRTUG HD Dumpster Tug GAS Quick reference guide

AIRTUG®Dumpster Tugs
Assembly & Operating Instructions
MODEL: HD Dumpster Tug GAS (5,000 Lbs)
Airtug, LLC is not responsible for damage sustained when proper
clearance is not maintained by the operator between the tug and its
surroundings.
Caution: Braking too abruptly or moving too fast can seriously
damage the differential ring gear. This is considered abuse and is
not covered by the transaxle warranty.
Note: All reference to “right” and “left” orientation is made while standing behind
the tug, looking forward from the operator position.
WARNING: This tug is shipped WITH oil in the engine. Always check oil
level prior to use. Refer to engine manual for additional information.
Recommendations: Ensure the rear wheels of the dumpster are fixed in place and DO NOT caster
or rotate. The front wheels can and should rotate or caster for ease of movement when not using the
Airtug®. At least 15% of length of dumpster needs to be beyond rear caster (ie - 100 inch long
dumpster - need at least 15 inches from center of fixed caster to rear edge of dumpster). For
dumpsters with a gross weight over 3,000 pounds, the rear fixed caster should be placed such that
20% of the dumpster is beyond the fixed caster (ie. - 100 inch long dumpster - need at least 20” from
center of fixed caster to rear edge of dumpster).
Engine Operation: Slide the throttle control on side of engine to the “choke” position. Press the
starter button by foot located on the tug frame behind the engine. Once the engine starts, adjust the
engine RPM with the control on the side of the engine. Higher RPM for heavier trailers and a lower
RPM for lighter trailers. Use a low amp battery charger (available at Airtug 216-941-9781) to maintain
a fully charged battery between use and especially in colder environments. The engine is stopped by
sliding the engine throttle on the the side in the opposite direction of the “choke” position.
Tug Operations: The twist grip handle operates the hydrostatic transaxle. Rotating the twist grips
forward or aft moves the Airtug accordingly. Rotating the grip slightly in either direction will move the
tug very slowly. As you increase the rotation of the handle grips, the tug speed increases. Maximum
torque is applied at very slow speeds ensuring excellent maneuverability while rotating the hand grips
fully results in maximum speed. The hydrostatic transaxle provides smooth variable speed control
throughout the entire range of grip motion. The twist grip is spring loaded to “return -to-brake
position.” Nevertheless, it is not recommended to walk away from the tug while the engine is running.
While moving a dumpster, braking is effected by gradually returning the grip to the neutral or brake
position. Even while moving the dumpster on a downgrade, the tug will only go as fast as you have
SAVE THIS DOCUMENT AND ENSURE ALL OPERATORS READ IT PRIOR TO MOVING ANY TRAILERS

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the twist grip turned. Braking too abruptly with a heavy dumpster or moving too fast can seriously
damage the differential ring gear. This is considered abuse and is not covered by the transaxle
warranty. When moving over the door weather edge or door rail, it’s recommended to have a little
momentum. Ramps or steps can be purchased from Airtug, if necessary, to overcome high door sills
or rough pavement.
It is recommended for safety, best practice, and for traction to begin movement as slowly as possible
to put the dumpster in motion. There is also a sticker on the handle for other recommendations for
best practices and improved traction. Please note that if the weight on the tongue of the trailer is not
set up properly that additional weight may be needed on the drive wheels of the tug. Airtug® sells
additional weight packs if you are having problems with traction and have tried all the
recommendations on the handle.
Loading: Position the ball of tug under the receiver of the trailer and stop. Push the button to raise
the ball up into the ball receiver and lift the tongue of the trailer up into the air. Remember to always
close the trailer “clasp” over the ball before moving the trailer for safety.
Assembly Instructions
Step 1: HANDLE Slide the handle through the “U” bolts (take
care while sliding the wires through) (leave the nuts loose for
now to allow the handle to slide into the “U” bolts).
Tighten the FOUR (4) “U” bolt nuts securely under the tug frame
(9/16” socket).
Step 2: Attach the transmission cable to the handle as shown. Tighten
the mounting nuts with an 11/16” wrench. Attach the socket at the end
of the cable to the ball on the twist grip. Then attach the wires coming
out of the bottom of the handle to the battery leads(quick disconnects).
Lastly run the longer two wires under the right side of the engine and
connect them to the mating connections coming from the cylinder.

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WHEELIE BARS: Wheelie Bars are located on the back of the tug to
prevent the tug from tipping in extreme circumstances (i.e. starting too
quickly or stopping too abruptly).
General Maintenance
Tire Pressure: The tire pressure can range from 30psi for lighter
trailers to the maximum tire pressure (70 PSI) for heavier trailers.
Lower pressures improve traction.
Battery: Keep the battery fully charged. The battery performance will
diminish measurably as the ambient air temperature drops.
Hydrostatic Transaxle: This should be checked for oil level. Add 20W-50 oil if level is low.
Drive Wheel Bearings: Permanently lubricated.
Caster Zerk Fittings: Needs to be lubed periodically to ensure ease of caster wheel steering.
Drive Chains: Apply chain lube periodically depending on use and environment.
Tractive Ability: If the tug seems to be losing tractive ability, it’s an indication of a loose drive belt.
The engine plate is mounted on slotted holes and can be moved rearward to tighten the drive belt if
necessary. Simply loosen the nuts, push the engine plate towards the rear of the tug and tighten the
nuts firmly.
Engine: DO NOT ADD OIL BEFORE CHECKING OIL LEVEL! Oil is added before shipping, verify
level is between marks on dipstick. Add 10W-30 oil when needed. Refer to Engine Manual for
additional information.
SAFETY WARNINGS:
* Read, study and understand all warnings and operating instructions prior to use
* When working on the tug:
* Put the tug up on blocks to get the drive wheels off the ground before beginning any work.
* Do not allow anyone to stand directly in front of or behind the vehicle during testing.
* Make sure the Power switch is off.
* Use well-insulated tools.
*Runaways - Some conditions could cause the tug to run out of control. Jack up the tug and get the
drive wheels off the ground before attempting any work on the engine control circuitry.
*High Current Arcs - Batteries can supply very high power and arcs can occur if they are short circuit.
Wear safety glasses, and use properly insulated tools to prevent short circuit.
*Do not overload this tug beyond the rated capacity.
*This tug is designed for use only on hard level surfaces capable of sustaining the load.
*No alterations to the tug shall be made.
* Electronic components may be damaged if exposed to water! !This is not covered under warranty."
* Failure to heed these warnings may result in personal injury and/or property damage.

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Dumpster Attachment Installation:
1. Dumpster Attachment - to be bolted or welded to dumpster
It is preferred that the Dumpster Attachment is welded to the dumpster but
it can also be bolted to the dumpster with the hardware included.
2. Dumpster Attachment Arm: Pinned to Dumpster Attachment; incorporates
ball receiver
3. Install the Dumpster Attachment Arm with the ball receiver into the
Dumpster Attachment
4. Place the Dumpster attachment on the dumpster in the middle
of the end with the castering wheels so that the bottom of the ball
receiver is approximately 22” off the ground. The actual height off
the ground should be just high enough to get the ball of the tug
under it when the ball is at its lowest position.
5. Mark the dumpster where the attachment needs to be
mounted to the dumpster. We recommend welding it to the
dumpster, if possible. If you are bolting it, mark the holes and drill
3/8” holes and secure it in place using the hardware supplied.
Approx. 23”

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Hooking Up the Dumpster: The ball receiver on the dumpster
should be positioned so that when the tug has the automatic ball
all the way down that the ball will just barely fit under the ball
receiver. Move the tug so the ball on the tug goes just under the
ball receiver on the dumpster. Push the button to raise the ball up
into the receiver and lift the dumpster up into the air so the
castering wheels of the dumpster are just off the ground. This will
do two things: add weight to the drive wheels for traction and take
the castering wheels off ground so you are not fighting them when
you are turning or switching directions. Do not hold the button
continuously when the cylinder is maxed out on stroke. This can
cause damage to the cylinder motor and electronic circuits.
Airtug® / [email protected] / 216-941-9781 / www.airtug.com