mburkhart wrote:I would love to hear some personal pros and cons about each version,,,,
Qualify:
I bought a new tri gear 235 in 2006. Still have it.
I have time in Maule M4, M6, M7, MXs, and Tri gear models. All with various piston engines, props and turbine.
I still fly both tri and coventional geared Maule aircraft.
Tri/TW Comparison:
- Tri is easier to handle on the ground than TW. It feels really solid. And it pretty much flies the same so you still get the same STOL ability as TW. Aircraft is just configured differently.
- Insurance is less expensive for tri (if you carry it). Lots of TW Maules get wrecked so this drives insurance to higher levels.
- To me, i find the tri gear planes actually have more utility in the SE USA than TW. There are more concrete airports here than grass/dirt opportunities.
- With tri gear you wont be skimming water, landing on river beds, or rocky pastures with holes but it will handle 90% of what TW can do. Same as a Quest Kodiak which is a purpose built tri gear, back country airplane.
- Tri have no problems with little wheel in back to deal with.
- Your wife will love it!
TW/Tri Comparison:
- Conventional gear Maule (both oleo and spring gear) look really good on the ramp. Like an airplane should look! Looks are more important to some than others.
- TW can spin around on a dime in tight places on the ground. Tri not so much
- TW Maule are more fun to taxi, take off and land IF you keep it straight. It doesnt forgive sloppy directional control (see wrecks mentioned above).
- TW will make you a better pilot regardless of what you fly. You will be more aware of direction control, wind, V speeds, etc.
- TW have more useful load and less drag than tri gears
- TW have better balance. Tri, especially 6 cyl, is a nose heavy beast!!
- TW are able to accept big tires and bigger selection of props.
- TW Maule have the main gear forward, out of the way.
- TW cowlings come off/on easier than tri. 3 blade prop on a tri is a true pita to get off and on.
- TW dont have a nose gear to service.
Note: Learn to fly both TW and Tri gear properly. You can end up on your back with a tri gear as easily as a ground loop in the TW.
Tri gear ownership experience:
If you own or fly a tri gear you will soon encounter the rude TW owner or pilot who feels superior to you and your ugly airplane. You will hear such as:
- "cant fly a real airplane? One without training wheels?"
- "your airplane sure is ugly with that nose wheel to protect the prop"
- "Hey, go back to factory and get the wheel in right place".
I could go on and on. These people think they are real funny and get a big bang out of ridiculing you. In reality it is just silly and rude. Something to be endured. Now if you are sensitive to this kind of thing, get a TW and learn to fly it well.
Hope this helps answer some questions for you. I am certain i left something out and someone here with more experience will be along to add more.
Would i buy another Tri Gear? You betcha!!!
Good luck with your Maule search.