I am planning to switch a nosewheel configured Highlander into a tailwheel. I have the original factor 6" (small) main wheels. I know I can use these as the new mains but I would like to upgrade to something stronger.
I think the factory still has the originally shipped highlander main gear legs and an extended version (not the SS gear legs).
Are there any other main gear alternatives for a Highlander ?
Switching from nose to tailwheel
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- danerazz
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Re: Switching from nose to tailwheel
There is the 3-leg and taller "extreme" gear from the factory, and I have seen a couple with Grove aluminum gear on them.
I believe you can just turn the mains around (backwards from what they are now) and move them to the most forward fuselage mounting position and be done. There are a lot of tires for the 6" wheels, up to and including the 29" air streaks. I would stick with them unless you want the 8" with the Matco (I think) tundra tires. Desser tire has some low cost tundra tires for the 6" rims.
I believe you can just turn the mains around (backwards from what they are now) and move them to the most forward fuselage mounting position and be done. There are a lot of tires for the 6" wheels, up to and including the 29" air streaks. I would stick with them unless you want the 8" with the Matco (I think) tundra tires. Desser tire has some low cost tundra tires for the 6" rims.
Dane
Paralysis by analysis
#242
Paralysis by analysis
#242
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Re: Switching from nose to tailwheel
thanks for that info.
It is an option to use the existing small gear but I would like to upgrade to a stronger set. We broke one of the mains on a hard landing once (replaced that one). I also saw a 6' wheel break off on another landing (different airplane). the axle broke in that case. On ours, the bolt that goes through the axle tore the metal on the gear leg. Neither incident hurt the airplanes but now I don't trust the small gear.
I will check out the Grove gear and what the factory has. thanks again.
Jim
It is an option to use the existing small gear but I would like to upgrade to a stronger set. We broke one of the mains on a hard landing once (replaced that one). I also saw a 6' wheel break off on another landing (different airplane). the axle broke in that case. On ours, the bolt that goes through the axle tore the metal on the gear leg. Neither incident hurt the airplanes but now I don't trust the small gear.
I will check out the Grove gear and what the factory has. thanks again.
Jim
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Re: Switching from nose to tailwheel
I have a nearly new iron design tailwheel for a decent price if you need one, call me 9542352527 if you are interested.
- SheepdogRD
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Re: Switching from nose to tailwheel
Jim, are you flying with the original Escapade-style gear, or is it the upgraded version currently shipping?Jim Cantrell wrote:... On ours, the bolt that goes through the axle tore the metal on the gear leg. Neither incident hurt the airplanes but now I don't trust the small gear.
Richard Holtz
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation
If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
Highlander N570L -- Ms. Tonka -- in gestation
If just enough is really good, then too much ought to be perfect.
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Re: Switching from nose to tailwheel
I have the old escapade style gear.
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Re: Switching from nose to tailwheel
i have the old escapade gear