Northwest SUPERTOW PRO Installation and operating instructions

Assembly and Operation Manual
For models:
SuperTow Pro
Northwest Manufacturing, Inc.
10179 N. Navion Dr., Hayden, ID 83835
www.powertow.com
208-635-5352 (P) 208-635-5251 (F)

Thank you for purchasing the Supertow Scout/Pro! We are proud to provide the
best value aircraft tugs in the industry!
Thank you for being part of a family tradition that now spans over 40 years.
READ THIS FIRST!
Please take time to familiarize yourself with this manual before assembly.
While assembly may be done with one person, it is advisable to have a helper.
Tools Required for assembly:
Tin Snips and/or Side Cutters
#2 Philips Screwdriver (screw gun preferred)
15/16” Open-End Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
Box-Cutter
¼” Allen Wrench
Fill unit with oil as directed on oil cap tag.
FAILURE TO FILL WITH OIL DAMAGES THE ENGINE AND VOIDS
WARRANTY.
We provide instant answers to many of your questions day or night! Go to
www.powertow.com and click on the Tech Support tab.
If the answer is not there, please call us at 208-635-5352 or send our Tech
Department a message at [e-mail].

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY, continued
5) Remove 3 bolts from handle
bracket at rear of chassis.
5a) Clip tie-wraps holding down
handle (4 total).
5b) Carefully remove screws on the
rear handle support (2 screws each
side).
5c) While holding handle, slide out
wooden support
5d) Rotate handle and set bottom of
handle into the handle bracket (make
sure throttle and control Levers are
right side up). Hold in place.
5e) While holding handle in place,
hand-tighten the shorter of the 3
handle bolts removed in previous
step. This may require rocking the
handle slightly while turning to help
ease bolt in place.
5f) Hand-tighten the upper handle
bolt.
5g) Slip clutch cable clamp onto
lower handle bolt. Fully tighten this
bolt.
5h) Fully tighten the other 2 handle
bolts.
6) Remove screws from the center
wooden support. Remove support.
Carefully use box cutter to remove
protective packaging from handle.
7) Remove screws on front support
(2 each side). The sides are now
free to remove.
8) Connect Shift and Release Cables
at top of handle. Slide collar on cable
back and slip over ball on lever (x2).
9) Connect Clutch Cable. Cable is
preset at factory; tighten to nut and
remove protective tape.
Check large cable nut on back of
chassis cover, use 15/16” wrench to
tighten.
10) Fill with oil
11) Fill with gasoline (non-ethanol
unleaded gas or 100LL).
12 place an end panel at the front of
the machine to act as an exit ramp.
Support ramp with wooden supports
removed in previous steps.
13) Put throttle in “Prime” position
and turn key. After engine starts,
move throttle to desired speed.
14) Shift into “Forward”and gently
squeeze clutch handle.
15) Drive tug off of crate.

OPERATION
FIRST TIME USERS!
Please take time to read this section before operating. Following these
instructions will increase the life of your machine.
Initial Use Safety
Safety is the main concern.
Chock both main wheels (far side
only). After some practice, chocks
may not be required.
Allow ample clearance around
aircraft (min. 10’ to rear, 5’ on sides).
If necessary, push or tow aircraft
from hangar to an open area.
Clear area of obstacles. Check for
uneven areas that may be hazardous
to walk over backwards.
If possible, have a spotter to help
direct movement.
Practice With Clutch and Shifting
Take some time to become
familiarized with moving the tug.
The transmission has 1 Forward gear
and 5 Reverse Gears.
When shifting, slightly squeeze clutch
to help ease transmission into and
out of gear. You will feel the
transmission engage.
Slowly squeeze clutch when starting
to move to prevent jerky starts.
Come to a complete stop before
switching gears. Switching gears
during motion can damage
transmission and voids warranty.
Take about 2 minutes of continuous
operation unloaded to break in drive
belt and warm up engine.
First Load
Loading may take a little practice and
require experimenting with the
throttle to find the best loading speed.
1. Make sure mains are chocked.
2. Make sure carriage is aligned
to front of machine. Carriage
should open freely when
Release lever is pulled.
3. Pull Release lever. Make sure
carriage falls open.
4. Line up center of carriage roller
with the center of the nose (tail)
wheel. Start with tug about 6”
from wheel.
5. Set throttle to “Slow” (it may be
necessary to increase throttle
speed for heavier nose planes).
6. Shift to Forward (pushing)
7. Fully squeeze clutch handle.
Tire will roll up carriage ramp.

8. As nose wheel touches back of
carriage, release clutch.
Carriage closes automatically.
9. Shift transmission to Neutral
10. Visually verify that carriage is
closed and locked.
11. Remove chocks.
12. Shift to forward or reverse as
desired.
13. Gently squeeze clutch to begin
moving aircraft.
14.
15. Take a few minutes to practice
moving and turning aircraft.
This helps with system break-in
and familiarization of your
machine.
First Unload
Unloading for the first time requires
the same focus on safety as loading.
Move aircraft to desired resting
position. Shift to Neutral.
Make sure carriage is aligned to front
of machine. Carriage should open
freely when Release lever is pulled.
Chock the mains.
Pull Release lever to open carriage.
Shift to Reverse and slowly squeeze
clutch to unload aircraft.
.
.

Pre 2019 SuperTow Pro user manual also included the following
SuperTow 2 manual as they were simular machines.

Model: SUPERTOW I, II, III
Things to know:
Keep your crate in the event there is any shipping damage to your unit.
Read this instruction manual thoroughly before attempting to load
and move your aircraft.
Your unit will need Oil & Gas - before test running the unit.
Tools handy for final assembly
½” End Wrench
Phillips Screwdriver
Wire Cutters
Thank you for choosing a Powertow, for your hangaring needs.
Customer Service is #1with our company. If you have any questions
or comments on your unit, please call us at 800-635-5565

Supertow II Setup
Handle and four cables to hook up, it’s that simple. Have a friend help you with the handle.
Pre Set-Up …Keep unit on pallet for ease of assembly.
Remove the three black bolts from frame. Located at back of frame top and bottom and set aside.
DO NOT REMOVE THE MASKING TAPE from any cables, until they have been attached.
The tape in all instances is to keep the proper pre-set adjustments in place until hook-up.
Step 1 –Handle - Before attaching the handle…
IMPORTANT – Feed the long black cable under the wire
harness going to the engine. Let it continue under engine to front
of machine and let hang loosely for now. You can then attach the
main handle using the three black bolts. Start with the top bolt
loosely: then the bottom bolts and tighten in the same order.
Wrench is supplied to tighten bolts into threaded frame
.
Step 2 - Shift Cable Attachment – Short Black Cable –Remove one nut & washer. Feed end of cable
through the upright support and attach washer and nut tightly with a Crescent Wrench. Remove tape.
Attach end of shift cable by
pulling back outer sleeve and slip
on to the transmission shifte
r
Step 3 – Brake Cable Locate cable from brake handle at top of
machine. Follow down to spring end. Line up the slots in brass fitting
in order to slip wire into bracket. Pull back the spring over the cable
and slip wire into lined up slots on support. Turn slots to keep in place
Attach the other end of the
spring clip onto transmission
brake lever. Use the 1/4” bolt
from brake lever and secure
with nut – leave room for clip
to move freel
y
.
.

Supertow II Setup
Step 4 “Lazy Susan” Cradle
The long black cable hooks up to the
load and release plate for the Lazy
Susan Cradle at the front end of unit.
Follow same attachment procedures as
shift cable hook-ups.
Step 5 –Throttle Cable
Locate the throttle control
attached to the engine and
bring it up to top of
handle. Remove the two
Phillips Screws on side of
handle and install throttle
control.
The cable will be secured
down the left side with
Nylon Ties in final step.
Step 6 -Clutch Cable
Locate Clutch Cable Attached on bottom
of frame, hanging loose with black barrel.
Connect this end of Clutch Cable up to the
top half of cable with threaded end.
Run threaded end into barrel snug against
nut. This will leave most of the screw
portion showing.Remove tape.
This barrel twist chamber adjusts the
tension of the clutch.
It’s important for the clutch to fully disengage when released. If you have this adjustment too tight, the
machine will continue to travel even when the handle is released.

Supertow II Setup
Secure Clutch Cable to Handle.
Locate keeper on lower left side of handle. Remove the
10-24 Screw and attach Clutch Cable using the tab on
cable housing.
Be sure Clutch Cable is on the outside of Throttle and
Brake Cables, then secure all cables (Except Clutch) to
handle with nylon ties provided with Throttle Cable down
left side and Brake Cable under handle.
Bottom View for Reference
The two bolts next to the engine pulley are belt
guides, that create a loop around the pulley
keeping the drive belt from engaging while the
engine is running and clutch is disengaged.
There are three pulleys on the bottom of the
unit: The engine drive pulley, the large
transmission and the small clutch pulley on the
clutch arm. These pulleys need to be line
with each other. The bolt on the left side of
Clutch Arm will need to be adjusted after the
first couple hours of use. If the Clutch Arm
drops down out of alignment, it will run on the
rim of the idler pulley and spin the drive belt
off the unit.
Shift Cable
Throttle Control
Lazy Susan
Release Cable
Clutch Cable

SUPERTOW™part of the POWERTOW™ line by NW MFG
SHORT & SWEET PLEASE READ
Congratulations on your purchase of the Supertow.
As you already know, it’s a unique machine.
So let’s familiarize you with your new toy!
What’s where…?
Let’s start by standing at the rear of your tow.
On the handle, above the throttle are two lever handles.
Transmission lever
The transmission shift lever is on the right of the handle. Rocking your tow gently,
push this lever forward to its stop. A lot of force will not be required. Now ease the
lever back one click for neutral, allowing unit to freewheel, when not running. The
transmission has one speed forward and five reverse speeds.
Loading Gate lever
The lever on the left side releases the loading gate, of the “Lazy Susan Cradle” from
its locked position, when pulled back. After releasing gate, return lever back to its
original position away from you. This simple move applies to loading and
unloading.
Fingertip position is Brake lever on right side and Clutch & Go lever at left.
Ready to roll…!
Time to take the Supertow out for a solo, without your aircraft! It’s very important
to make sure the controls are all working correctly before you hook your beautiful
bird up to it … Yes a few touch and go’s...
Engine – Don’t forget the oil for the engine, it will take approximately ¾ of quart. A
splash of 100LL, no more throwing the test gas on the tarmac and we’re ready to start
up the unit. Place the throttle control in the choke or start position, push primer 3 to
4 times (if supplied), and start the engine. Move control to run position at about
medium speed. After some use you’ll know how much power is required for your
particular job. Greatest torque is developed at two-thirds throttle setting.
Out in the open, run the unit checking out all the handle controls. The clutch
operation is very important. When you release the clutch handle, the drive belt
should disengage completely, and there should be no creeping of machine. (If there
is, refer back to set-up instructions). This acts as a safety. This unit also has a brake.

However, if you continue to squeeze the clutch while trying to stop, it will weaken
the brake action. Operate the Lazy Susan load features. Running the unit for a few
minutes will break-in the engine, cables, belt and of course the operator.
Load & Go Instructions – OK…with transmission in neutral, the engine is running;
we’re ready to load your, “Winged Pride and Joy”. First time outside of hangar
please. Chock the back of the main gears. Easing the shift lever forward will put
your tow in the only forward gear. With the Lazy Susan Cradle in the unlocked
down position, line up the roller bar, to the front of your nosewheel. Firmly squeeze
the clutch lever for power and load. When the wheel rolls onto the cradle, it will hit
the roller at the back of the cradle, easing the front up into the locked position.
Release clutch, as soon as it loads!!
SHOWING OFF TO YOUR FRIENDS…NOT QUITE YET!
You are now ready to move your plane. Don’t be too over zealous at trying out the
turn radius. The Lazy Susan will turn under your nosewheel. You will have fun
watching your nose gear stay straight while making a turn.
It’s best to practice out in open first, to get the feel of the machine at different
speeds.
When you are ready to unload your plane, be sure cradle is inline with machine. (It’s
the only position for unloading). Reverse your transmission and ease the loading
gate lever back, allowing you to back out from under the nose gear. Then, push
handle back to original position. (This will allow the cradle to “lock” for the next
time you are ready to load.)
Now here’s a good tip. Get up kind of early on Saturday morning, and get out
to the airport before the rest of the hangar bums get there. Pull your plane out of the
hangar by hand for the last time, and get it out on the apron well away from all hard
objects. Go through the above procedures until you really have it down. By the time
those guys show up, you will have become super proficient and will be able to put
on one helluva show. Should they ask, our phone number is on the decal. Ready for
another tip? Always have chock blocks of some kind anchored at the rear of your
main wheel position in the hangar to prevent inadvertent travel through the rear of
your hangar.
Last tip: If you really want to get smart, re-read this stuff after you have
actually used the machine a few times – it will be more meaningful.

Door Tracks -To get a heavy plane over door rails or ledges, a moderate amount
of speed is necessary so that the momentum of aircraft mass will help carry it
over, but smoothly. Do not jump the unit over door tracks, which result in the
nose gear turning within the Lazy Susan Cradle. This applies also to any means
of shifting the nose gear sideways in the Lazy Susan Cradle. The nose gear
should remain straight in the cradle for correct operation.
If door tracks are a problem, your shipping crate lid can be cut to fill spaces in
door tracts. There is enough wood to make additional spacers for the main gear also.
For you readers only:
How does the Lazy Susan really work?
In the correct position for loading, there are two latches, one on each side
located at the back of the Lazy Susan, as the unit drives under the nose gear; the
roller assists in moving the wheel up and onto the turn plate. The nose gear then
trips up the back plate locking it into place. You can turn the plane without turning
the yoke. The Lazy Susan turns separately from the Supertow on ball bearings,
allowing rotation.
To unload from the Susan, you simply pull the lever back. It is attached to a
rod and then to the two latches, tripping them open. You can put the unit in reverse
to back it off.
If the loading gate lever is not returned to the down position, the turn table
will not turn more than a couple inches, nor will it release the latches to unload. This
insures the plane will unload centered each time. You will not be able to unload the
plane, except in the same position as loaded. The loading gate lever is a mechanical
release; no springs to jump open accidentally.
TIP: Chock Blocks are used on mains to load. When releasing your plane in hangar,
back your plane up to the chocks leaving a space of several inches for the plane to
roll out from under the cradle and back to the chocks. After a few times of loading
and unloading your plane, you will find it to be the smoothest operation going.
3-06

THE LOCALIZER APPROACH TO HANGARING
This approach was designed specifically for the hangaring of aircraft by
one person where there is little space between wingtips and hangar door
opening. The minimums for this approach are down to 12" clearance at each
wingtip. Place the aircraft partially into the hangar, equal distance for each
wingtip from hangar door. Facing the aircraft in the same direction as it will be
hangared, mark the hangar floor indicating the exact centerline of the right main
gear tire only.
Pull the aircraft out and paint a single stripe on the centerline of the right
main only, starting approximately 10' out from hangar door and back as far as
main wheel would normally go. Only this single point of alignment needs to be
checked progressively when hangaring the aircraft to ensure clearance.
Rear main wheel chock blocks should always be anchored in position on
hangar floor to prevent inadvertent travel through rear of hangar.
MAINTENANCE RECORDS & NOTES

SUPERTOW™TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAIN IS TOO LOOSE……………………… Pillow blocks are slotted for take-up.
CHAIN BREAKS……………………………… Chain is too loose. Check sprocket alignment.
BELT SLIPPAGE WHEN
CLUTCH IS FULLY ENGAGED…………… Shorten clutch cable by turning turnbuckle at handle.
Adjust cable so clutch is fully engaged with approximately
1”of space remaining between clutch handle and
machine handle grip. Need new belt.
DRIVES WHEN NOT SQUEEZED…………. Lay a straight edge over the 8” pulley and engine pulley and
make sure they are in the exact same plane (level).
Check to make sure belt guides are in place.
Check Clutch arm and make sure it is adjusted up and not
Hanging down against the belt.
BELT SLIPS OFF PULLEY…………………. Tighten turnbuckle – check to make sure motor and
transmission pulleys are in line.
CLUTCH DOES NOT RELEASE…………… Lengthen cable at turnbuckle. Check belt guides.
See clutch cable this page. Check Clutch Arm adjustment
Make sure the arm is adjusted up not contacting the belt.
GAS UNIT: ENGINE SURGES……………… See engine manual.
ENGINE DIES UNDER LOAD……………… Check high-speed mixture adjustment.
See engine page.
EXCESSIVE NOISE UNDERNEATH UNIT… Check belt guides, “use no belt dressing”.

Supertow II Setup
CHAIN ADJUSTMENTS
After some use your chain may loosen up. Your machine may jump, experience chain noise or
grinding. You can tighten the chain in this manner. This is a unique chain tightening system.
Follow this procedure closely. Questions call 800-635-5565.
Loosen jam nut and back out
back bolt part way.
You have 3 drive chains on the “Supertow II”
Two drive chains to the tires and one from
transmission to the differential.
Start with the 2 forward drive chains. Loosen the
3 Jam Nuts from the front of pillow blocks do not
back out the bolts, just loosen the nuts.
Adjuster Bolt
Jam Nut
Slotted Pillow
Block Bearings
Zirk Fitting
Loosen all the bolts holding down the pillow block bearings
Tighten the Adjusters bolts evenly against all three pillow blocks; until chain is comfortably
tight (Do not over tighten) Tighten jam nuts or your bolts will back out over time. Securely
tighten the bolts holding pillow block bearings. The pillow blocks are slotted also.
Last…Retighten the back bolt against pillow block and tighten jam nut.
This has tightened the drive chains. Now you will need to slide the engine plate back towards
the handle to remove the chain slack from the transmission to differential. You will need to
tighten this chain also.

Tighten the adjuster bolts the
same amount, to take slack
out of transmission chain.
This will move the engine
plate back.
Then tighten the handle bolt
and forward bolt securely.
After adjusting drive chains,
adjust chain between
transmission and differential.
Loosen forward bolt, located on
the inside of the frame in front
of engine plate
Loosen handle bolt
Top view of adjuster bolt.
Maintenance Notes:
Chain size #40
Zirk fittings on pillow blocks need grease
once a year;
Change and check oil per engine manual.
5 Speed transmissions is sealed…no
lubricating required
Feel free to run 100 LL in your engine.
3-2006