Big Wheels

[liveoakrick]

I am considering putting on bushwheels on my MX7-180A and changing the maule tail wheel to a Scott tail wheel. I had considered going with the heavier tundra tail wheel but want the option of changing back to street tires without changing the tail wheel. I understand that it is not FAA approved to fly with small tires and the big tundra tail wheel. Any one out there care to comment.

Rick

[a64pilot]

What's wrong with the Maule tail wheel?
If you want a Scott I think the only smart option you have is to get one from Alaska Bushwheels, they have an STC. Yes you can get a field approval for a Scott, but I believe you would end up spending more money and a LOT more hassle. Just buy the Scott from Wup at Alaska Bushwheels and be done with it. It will cost you as much as 4 or 5 Maule tailwheels though.

[MikeW]

Another thing you could do is add a leaf spring or two to your assembly to beef it up. It works good if you don't really need a wide tire back there.


Mike

[dunbarst]

Since we are on the subject of Maule Tailwheels what is the secret of keeping the hubcap on ? There must be dozens of them scattered accross the country.

[Strata Rocketeer]

Since we are on the subject of Maule Tailwheels what is the secret of keeping the hubcap on ? There must be dozens of them scattered accross the country.

The idea is to populate the countryside with Maule tailwheel hubcaps.

That way when you discover you lost yours a replacement is only a short walk along the edge of your nearest runway.

[a64pilot]

Since we are on the subject of Maule Tailwheels what is the secret of keeping the hubcap on ? There must be dozens of them scattered accross the country.

I honestly don't know, I've not had mine fall off yet. I have heard other people lose theirs often. Maybe you could tap the lip on the wheel down with a rubber mallet to tighten up the fit?

[Chopper206]

Just installed the 1¾" BushWheel tailwheel spring. Very simple installation. Just bolts in as a substitute for the original. Mine was getting pretty saggy. This new spring puts the Scott hub at the right angle for proper castering and solves a wee shimmy problem I had before. Great service from Alaska BushWheel--this time the spring and some other stuff I ordered arrived in the Canadian Arctic in less than a week. Incredible!!

[maules.com]

To keep your hubcap, properly bed the circlip retainer in it's groove
Jeremy

[N6EA]

To keep your hubcap, properly bed the circlip retainer in it's groove
Jeremy

I concur, since I have used a flat tip screwdriver to tap the circlip into the groove (after airing up) I have not lost a hubcap.

BTW, Does this mean Jeremy is back from Alaska???

Mark

[dunbarst]

Thanks, I'll try the screwdriver trick next time. I sure thought it was in tight but I never seated it with a hammer!

[maules.com]

Not back yet but I found a library with 15min computer access.
Jeremy

[yellowbelly]

To keep your hubcap, properly bed the circlip retainer in it's groove

Totally right Jeremy. I opened up the circlip a bit to provide some more seating load on my last installation. It has set a new personal best, having survived quite a few landings, some of which are not open for discussion, and even a few light shimmy episodes. Just for insurance, I'm gonna try N6EA's screwdriver trick.

YB

[dickbutz]

I changed to an Alaskan Bushwheel (Scott Clone) tailwheel and have been using two Maule heavy springs and three chain links each side with the new type closed and pinned connectors with reasonable success...I had finally demolished my Maule wheel and replaced it with a new one but I just could not get good positive steering with it...Kinda spongy...The Bushwheel setup seems much more positive but the Maule is Soooo heavy on the tailwheel to begin with I wish I could get something that would steer like a Citabria...Dick