Posted 8 Apr 2017 Matco only makes a single arm 6". They make a dual arm 7" and up. If you even plan on flying off loose gravel or sand I would get the 8" wide. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 8 Apr 2017 just saw this on barnstormers. MATCO 8" PNEUMATIC TAILWHEEL • $120 • FOR SALE • Matco 8" Pneumatic tailwheel. Bought new, lightly used. No issues. $240. new. Will sell $120. • Contact Richard A. McGarity, Owner - located Winter Park, FL USA • Telephone: 407 312-2657 . • Posted April 8, 2017 • Show all Ads posted by this Advertiser • Recommend This Ad to a Friend • Email Advertiser • Save to Watchlist Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 9 Apr 2017 I am still a little wary about jumping from a 5" to an 8" tailwheel, but I sent the guy an offer....I guess we will if I am going to have issues with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 9 Apr 2017 (edited) Just remember, an 8" TW will only raise the tail 1.5" over the 5" TW, or 1" over the 6" TW, and takes you over the bumps a lot easier, and shouldn't bother you at all. EDMO Edited 9 Apr 2017 by EDMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 9 Apr 2017 After you put the bush gear and big tires on, the 8" tailwheel will seem small :-) JImChuk 1 person likes this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 9 Apr 2017 @Edmo, I think there will be a bit more difference than that because of the differences between the Matco and of the current tailwheel design.@avid. Unfortunately the bush gear aren't currently on the immediate list. I have read about the various wide gear that people have suggested, but they all seem to put stresses in other places that you have to account for, or, in some cases, the gear are no longer attainable.If you go with the spring gear, you get rid of the bungees, but put more forces on the support structure, that you need to reinforce, especially in case of bottoming situations.In the case of the gear that mimic the currently installed ones, people keep talking about the stress on the longerons.Which gear would you suggest and why?What mitigations would you need to take based upon your suggestion?Measuring my current gear, it is right at 60" from tire center to tire center. I read another post somewhere on this forum that indicated that was already wider than normal, especially considering that the fuselage appears to be from an A model. What sort of distance are we talking about wanting?I have aluminum rims that are supposed to fit the current axels, that I inherited, and have hydraulics brakes, but of course that requires me to put in the rest of the equipment to support the hydraulic brakes. This too is on the list, just not the immediate listThe other day, when I was doing an engine run on the old engine, I moved the rudder around a bit and chunks came off the current tailwheel and is the reason that it got promoted to immediate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 9 Apr 2017 (edited) I capitulate on the tailwheel - actually my attorney told me to plead "No Contest"! I was thinking of the differences in "Aircraft" tailwheels, and not "Shopping Cart" wheels! But I still think you will be happier with the big Matco. I would have paid the guy what he was asking so it didn't get away, but my 600x6 nosewheel and tire are 19" diameter! EDMO Edited 9 Apr 2017 by EDMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 9 Apr 2017 And I plan on giving it a shot. I haven't heard back from the guy on Barnstormers yet (Email) and will probably give him a call if I don't hear from him some time tomorrow. Based upon his price quote, it will be a single arm, so we shall see how it goes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites