Why You Need to Invest in Quality Ground Handling Wheels for Helicopters
If you’re a helicopter owner, pilot, or mechanic, then you know ground handling can be a rather tricky business. Without the right equipment, your prized helicopter can easily become damaged—or worse yet, someone could get hurt. That’s why it’s so important to invest in quality ground handling wheels for helicopters.
With the right equipment, you can easily move your helicopter around without putting too much stress on its skids or body. In this article, we’ll discuss the four key benefits of using high-quality ground handling wheels and then give you some tips on how to choose the right helicopter moving equipment for your needs.
1. MORE COST SAVINGS
Polyurethane ground handling wheels are much more durable and robust than rubber wheels, meaning they will hold up to more abuse and will need to be replaced far less often. This translates into significant cost savings for your operation over the long run. Upgrading to a double caster assembly (standard on the Model MS and Model 4) on your Chopper Spotter can further increase your wheels’ longevity, better disperse the load, and navigate rougher terrain more easily.
2. HIGHER OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Polyurethane ground handling wheels have a lower rolling resistance than their rubber counterparts. This means your helicopter can be moved in and out of the hangar faster, more safely, and with much less operator effort.
3. INCREASED OVERALL SAFETY
Polyurethane ground handling wheels offer better traction and braking performance than rubber wheels, which increases overall safety for both you and your helicopter. Additionally, polyurethane wheels are less likely to flat spot (suffer from uneven wear due to contact with the ground), which can lead to unsteady moments and other stability problems down the road.
To learn more, read our 5 tips for safely moving a helicopter on the ground.
4. GREATER ON-THE-GROUND MOBILITY
If you frequently fly in areas that experience cold and hazardous conditions, then you know how difficult it can be to keep your helicopter from sliding around on ice or getting stuck in a patch of snow. Larger inflatable wheels with deep-grooved treads, for instance, will allow you to handle any type of weather and terrain, such as grass or loose gravel.
However, if you have a Chopper Spotter ground handling unit with a grooved drive train, you’ll be able to navigate even the most treacherous tarmacs with ease. Check out the video below to see how effortless it was to move a large, fully loaded Huey over an icy Minnesota surface.
So, there you have it! These are just a few of the reasons why you should invest in quality ground handling wheels for your helicopter. Do you have any questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you!
PURCHASE A CHOPPER SPOTTER HELICOPTER GROUND HANDLING DOLLY TODAY
Chopper Spotter provides helicopter owners and operators with total control over their aircraft on the ground, doing so in a way that is safer, more efficient, and easier to use. Put your aircraft firmly in its place with streamlined, wireless ground-handling control. Shop our helicopter tug models today.
We also offer a wide selection of helicopter ground handling wheels and other replacement parts that are only available from Chopper Spotter, backed by the same level of quality and versatility that define our core products. Our team of experts is here to work with you to ensure you get the parts you need—when you need them.
Contact us today for one-on-one support in purchasing the parts you need to keep your Chopper Spotter moving.