Works great, good product. Pricey but probably worth it. I would consider the optional extension as almost a mandatory purchase, otherwise youre likely bent over under the prop.
Charles A
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Piper .875 I.D. Axle Tube
September 25, 2024
Works great to pull my Bonanza in and out of the T-Hangar.
Jesse P
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
May 21, 2024
Purchased this for my 310Q. I was a little skeptical that it would work, but was pleasantly surprised!! There are some sunken spots in the tarmac and even when the mains went through them it kept on pulling!
Charles B
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Cessna Twin
March 21, 2024
I really like this device for its ease of use. Make sure you don’t overlook the support arm. That needs to be connected and is easy to overlook
Datchair L
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Cessna Twin
February 4, 2024
Awesome product. Well made, sturdy, and overall excellent quality. When I moved into my newly built hangar, I quickly realized the plane was easy to pull out, but the slight slope was a real back breaker getting it back in if I was flying alone. This fits and moves my Arrow III (PA28R-201) perfectly. It is an expensive product, but well worth it compared to the alternatives. Plus it is easily stowed in the luggage compartment in the plane without adding too much weight. Super fast shipping and excellent customer service by Aircraft Spruce as well.
Kory K
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Piper .875 I.D. Axle Tube
December 6, 2023
This is a back saver! Ive got an F35 Bonanza and this lets me do the airplane shuffle in the hanger with ease. Be careful to make sure you align the piece that goes inside the axle so that it pushes all they way in. Then lower the upper hook onto the pin that a standard tow bar uses. After you have this aligned, pull the lever in and everything tightens down onto the tire. Works great!
Robert M
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
November 7, 2023
Works well. Highly suggest extension tube for operation with any aircraft.
Scott S
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Piper .875 I.D. Axle Tube
October 25, 2023
OK, I dont normally give glowing reviews ... but dang, this thing is amazing. Performs well above my expectations. My aircraft (C82R) is very heavy when full of fuel. My hangar has a slight incline and at the very end a 3 inch rise that is impossible for me to get over without at least one other person helping me. Not with this device! I do it now with very little effort. I took the plane out of the hangar, down the tarmac to the washing bay and back again. No problem at all. Thank goodness for this device because, honestly, this hangar would not be an option for me otherwise. Thanks to Aircraft Spruce and the Sidewinder team for making such a useful product. It makes a big difference in my ability to move my aircraft on my terms.
John W
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder S.E Cessna 2 With 15 Extension
October 10, 2023
Seems to push a Baron 58 up a slight incline that challenges a 3-person push team just fine. I had read reviews about the trigger giving an abrupt on-off action. I don’t know if the drill motor has changed, but mine is very smooth proportional control. I can feather it on/off and easily adjust the speed.
Installing it on the plane is a little finicky, but gets easier with practice.
It is bigger/heavier than you think, but still easy to handle/transport.
A lawnmower and tow bar would have been cheaper, but not portable and my hangar situation does not give me a place to park it.
Dane R
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
September 19, 2023
Great product and great service. I highly recommend Sidewinder and extension pole.I rate this 5 Star Naples Florida Todd
Todd G
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Piper .875 I.D. Axle Tube
August 11, 2023
Hello we have The sidewinder, for the Cessna 1972 310-Q works great very easy to hook and un-hook unit light weight and easy to handle even with full fuel (5) star rating
Cliff
June 2, 2023
Vte S
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
May 1, 2023
Things you should know! This is a game changer, anyone can use it. Get the 15 extension tube, it lets you stand strait up, visibility is improved and it is like walking a dog. FYI I have an Arrow with the .937 Axle and purchased the .875 tug it does not seem to make a difference . Stop Cringing and Whip your credit card out it is worth it!
Scott S
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Piper .875 I.D. Axle Tube
March 24, 2023
Works great on my Mooney
Richard K
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Mooney
March 3, 2023
Gerald P
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Mooney
February 21, 2023
So far I am absolutely loving the sidewinder. It is so much quicker to use than my tractor and towbar. In addition, I can be alot more precise in my movement of the airplane than with the tractor and towbar.
Burton C
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
November 16, 2022
Bonanza F33A. Works great on this model!
Rick D
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
November 4, 2022
Works great! Way better and easier than my Golf kart… AAA+
Nicolas P
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
June 25, 2022
Really enjoying the Sidewinder. It works great on my Cessna 310Q.
Walter E
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Cessna Twin
April 9, 2022
This thing is the cat’s meeyoww! Very powerful. Super easy to connect to my bonanza.
David F
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
March 31, 2022
Awesome tug for our Bonanza, easy to attach, and easy to steer.
Cesar D
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
February 17, 2022
John M
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Cessna Twin
January 27, 2022
The sidewinder is an awesome piece of kit! My hangar has a slight uphill on the apron and the sidewinder handles my bonanza with ease. One handed operation vs impossible one-person movement of my aircraft. Complete game-changer!
Eric P
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
October 7, 2021
Excellent device! Using it on a Baron up a slight grade. Works well. Happy with purchase. Was not in inventory at time of purchase- waited about a month
William R
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
September 18, 2021
Some assembly needed which takes about 3 min. Remember to make sure that the Battery is fully charged. I did call the Mfg and they suggested leaving the battery on the charger when not in use. I like that you can vary the speed in both directions. If your plane is in the hanger on the first use, make sure that you start slowly so you are going in the right direction as there is no markings on the tool telling you direction. I have added with a Sharpie so I dont make that mistake. Could be very costly if your hanger is tight and you smash your tail into the back of the hanger on your first use. Remember to apply down pressure to the nose wheel or the gripping drive will just put a nice rub mark on the rubber. Right now this is only for my home hanger use so I dont need to add this to my useful load...about 20lbs. Once I start to carry all the time Ill get an exact weight. Overall I would say that this is money well spent. There are others out there that are cheaper but you will never be able to put them in your plane to travel with.
Dean L
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Mooney
July 25, 2021
The Sidewinder makes it much easier to get my airplane back into the hangar.
Stephen N
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Powerdriver Mooney
June 15, 2021
Bought for my Bonanza B36TC....works like a charm. However, you may need to modify the inserting lug that goes into the wheel due to cross bolt offset. Call factory and they will explain.
Clean out wheel with 1 round sanding drum.
Best piece of equipment I have bought in years. Handles my Bonanza easily up the incline into my hangar. Very impressive
Craig S
May 21, 2021
Love it - just what I needed for my new V35B!!
Bryan J
April 6, 2021
This works well on our B-95 Travel Air. Before using, we highly recommend you get checked out by someone who already owns one. Other than a single piece of paper warning against connecting or disconnecting the device with the battery installed, there were no instructions provided at all. It is a very powerful device, and used incorrectly, you can do damage, or hurt yourself.
Bill T
January 8, 2021
Have owned my Sidewinder for five years and its a life saver. Worth every penny.
Mike R
December 16, 2020
Best thing I ever bought for my Mooney. Pushes up hill with ease. Works well as long as there is no ice or snow on the ramp, so not a substitute for a larger tug, but much easier than anything else to use most of the time. Folds up nice and fits in the baggage compartment well, so nice to travel with.
Dustin K
August 21, 2020
Great piece of equipment! I can easily maneuver my Bonanza anywhere. Well made. Heavy enough to get the job done but light enough to carry on a cross country. Highly recommend.
Paul R
August 17, 2020
Works as promised on my P Baron. Quite surprising that a small unit can move a large airplane. The battery seems to drain rapidly, so I’ll likely get a 2nd to have for longer pulls across the ramp.
George G
August 4, 2020
very pleased with my electric tug and tow bar ! Delivery was very fast from the US to Europe .
Goyvaerts
July 28, 2020
the best tug out there and simple!
Bruce C
July 21, 2020
This is the most amazing tool to move an aircraft. Slow, fast but not faster than a comfortable walk. Release the trigger and the aircraft stops instantly. It may be a little spendy but saving one crunch will more than pay for it.
David S
July 13, 2020
I bought the Sidewinder for my new-to-me Baron B55. I tend to depart and arrive from my home airport at odd times when the line-guys are not there - this little device, while pricey, is heavy-duty, easy to use, and has a great quality feel to it. It give great controllability in moving the aircraft into and out of a fairly tight hangar, folds up to travel with the airplane, and is easy to attach/un-attach to the nose gear.
Based on the quality of build, I suspect it will last as long as I keep the airplane.
As always, Aircraft Spruce shipping was excellent. I wish they offered FedEx as an option, but you cant get everything!
Stephen M
July 10, 2020
Excellent product and would recommend it to anyone with a Piper Lance!
Rene B
July 6, 2020
I recently purchased the Sidewinder because I thought it would be more portable than my existing Robotow. Both the Robotow and Sidewinder work well, but I give the edge to the new sidewinder. It will pull my Bonanza out faster, it folds up and is definitely more portable, and I like the way it attaches to the airplane better. Time will tell how the battery holds a charge and how long it will last. But currently Ill give the unit 5 stars. well done
Greg A
February 11, 2020
This is an amazing product, hands down. I have a tight hangar situation with another airplane above mine, on a lift. When putting my Debonair into the hangar, alignment and vision is critical. The Sidewinder enables me to stop pushing and pulling on a tow bar, straining with my head down. I dont need to use multiple setup attempts and break a sweat now! The Sidewinder has significantly more power than needed, but the controls enable smooth application of that power to enable a methodical movement of the plane. I can make slow alignment movements and then speed up once everything is ready. Being lightweight, this is a real game changer. The only fault I can find is that there were no instructions in the box. That being said, there is an FAQ on the Redline web sight that clarified any remaining questions.
Robert W
February 5, 2020
I have only used this unit a handful of time, but it works flawlessly. I have a robotow and it works well, but I wanted something a little more compact for transportation purposes. At this point, if I could only have one, I would keep the sidewinder.
Greg A
January 25, 2020
Item is as advertised, but requires one to reverse a mount point. Not a big deal as it took about 5 minutes to do and tow-bar works well. Quick delivery and well packaged...
Chuck W
November 8, 2019
Easy to use right out of the box. Just charge the battery and it’s ready to go. No assembly needed. Very well constructed. Can adjust speed with how hard you pull the trigger...ease it on! Folds up and storable in aircraft. I use it on a 1979 PA32RT-300 Lance. I could not physically push my Lance up the slight incline and over the hangar door tracks but the Sidewinder does it effortlessly. Be sure to measure Inside Diameter of nose gear axle before ordering. Mine was the smaller version. Should have purchased when I first researched it...would have saved my back! Highly Recommend!
Sheldon O
October 10, 2019
I just received the Sidewinder and it lived up to its reputation for usefulness. It has plenty of torque and is very easy to use.
Brady D
January 12, 2019
Works perfect on my V35B right out of the box. Cant believe I waited that long to get one. Absolutely great product. Fits in the plane if needed, and tows great. Far superior tow than gas powered for GA aircraft.
David L
December 24, 2018
High quality, heavy construction. I use this with my Piper Saratoga and the standard length is fine. I dont see any need for the extension bar for my plane. Im really glad I bought this!
Gash
November 30, 2018
Just got it and have used it a few times. The product is wonderful. It would have been nice if it had come with some instructions! They included a manual for the drill motor and battery, but nothing for the unit itself. The video on their website was helpful, though.
Stephen W
October 15, 2018
The product works great but Aorcraft Spruce has no idea what adapter to sale for your airplane. After visiting w 3 customer service people finally got ahold of sidewinder company and they laughed at what I’d been going through and sent me the correct adapter. Call sidewinder first! Don’t rely on AS to get it right.
Corby
June 28, 2018
Possibly the most useful tool I have for my Bonanza. Extremely well engineered and useful. It makes moving the Bonanza around a one handed operation. I like that I can carry it in the baggage compartment too and use it at out stations.
Alan K
May 15, 2018
This thing is well designed and beautifully made. Im proud to own it.
Bill A
April 21, 2018
My Bonanza seems to be much heavier these days. This tow-bar is the Bees-Knees.
Paul W
February 28, 2018
Bought this for my Bonanza, I have a 5 bump to get out of my hangar and have found it getting tough to move the plane by myself sometimes. Although this is pricey (hence why I have waited), I should have bought this day 1. EXTREMELY well made and very easy to use. I highly recommend anyone buying this to move their plane around.
Seth J
May 6, 2017
I bought the sidewinder for my Piper Saratoga Turbo. It does a great job of moving the plane in and out of the hangar. I can easily move the plane by myself several times on a single charge. I have two hangars in different locations, so I bought another one for the second hangar. Great tool. Highly recommend. If you are buying this for a Saratoga, I recommend getting the extension.
Jim
April 1, 2017
I am 73 and over the years moving my Piper Saratoga has become more difficult. Santa brought me a Sidewinder and now I have absolutely no trouble moving my Saratoga in/out of my hanger. What a fantastic invention. It can move my plane about 10 times on one charge. If I had to find one thing that could be improved it would be the center handle could be a little more smooth. I put a split 4 piece of garden hose on the handle to solve the problem.
Darron
July 2, 2016
Best thing ever. I have two planes in the hanger and have to constantly pull them in and out, the sidewinder makes moving the heavy piper arrow a breeze. Well worth the investment. I highly recommend it.
Dadbeh J
October 16, 2015
I've used a Sidewinder for years to move my Bonanza up a slope into the hangar. High quality construction. Folds in half for portability. Worth the price.
Al B
April 3, 2013
This seems to be very well made. I had to take away a star because it does not effectively move a Baron 58 after being told it would. The Baron is just too heavy. It might work on very even surfaces and with hangars with no lips or rails. It seems like it would work very well on smaller aircraft. I had to return it unfortunately.
Jeffrey C
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Beech
September 22, 2024
The tow bar looked to be of good quality but it was for a retractable gear and my Cessna has fixed gear so I had to send it back.
Greg S
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Cessna
March 25, 2022
As others have said, this unit sorely needs an instruction manual. Some features are not intuitive and after spending around 2k I was surprised to find this basic requirement lacking.
Mooney
December 8, 2020
Great product! Could be a few pounds lighter, however I’m sure the weight ensures durability. The has no problem moving my Debonair up the incline into my hanger. So glad I purchased this. Makes it easier to go fly when I want and not have to worry about getting the Beech put back in the hanger.
Mike
August 12, 2020
Handle is a little bit short for comfort. Understand you can order an extension but seems like since it was ordered for a Mooney it should have been long enough.
Richard M
May 10, 2020
This tug works great. I highly recommend it. I use it in my PA32R-301T. The ability to vary speed with the drill trigger is excellent.
Sean D
April 26, 2020
Very impressed, I wish there was a video or instructions included on how to use it. For a Beach, you have to have the Doofer that goes into the wheel hub all the way in to have everything rig up just right. The first time I tried it, it was there was still about a 1/2 inch to go and it would not stay securely on when I used it, once I figured out it had to be all the way in (it takes some force) it worked great. Its difficult to control the speed of the drill, its either on or off. You have to softly squeeze the trigger and when you release it the airplane will come to an abrupt stop.
Yankee A
February 27, 2020
The asphalt in front of my hangar has a small rise that must be climbed in order to move the Piper Arrow inside. In addition, the hangar floor is about 1 - 1 1/4 inches above the asphalt. This made it nearly impossible for me to push the Arrow into the hangar manually. The Redline Sidewinder handles it with ease. Even with the unit throttled to a very slow creep, it can handle the 1 inch bump at the door very smoothly.
The unit is fairly heavy though. It would be nice if it had a caster or wheel on the end so that some of the weight would not have to be carried. After all, the point of the tool is to make ground handling the aircraft to be less work. Perhaps one could be sold as an accessory. Just a thought.
Jerry M
February 5, 2020
I have a Cessna 1966 182 Skylane with wheel plants can you use the redline unit to hook onto a 182 with whell pants?
Please email back rockeyis@msn.com
Rockey I
November 22, 2019
Nice unit. Works well on my V35, even pulling it slightly uphill out of the hangar over a 1/2 threshold bump. Some basic operating instructions for the unit would be helpful for initial setup and operation.
Will
December 27, 2018
The sidewinder is well build and works great on my 1966 Debonair. I would have given it 5 stars but I had to modify the pin that fits into the wheel hub. The diameter of the pin was too large and had to be ground down about 5 thousandths of an inch to fit. Likewise, the cutout in the center of the pin was too narrow to accommodate the bolt through the center of the hub that holds the wheel on the landing gear. It may be that these dimensions in my debonair are slightly different than in newer model bonanzas even though the landing gear design is the same.
Mike B
January 12, 2016
We ordered the Sidewinder for our Cessna T206, as indicated on the website. It does not work with the T206 with fairings, and no instructions were included. The order arrived with a defective battery charger. Multiple attempts to contact Redline for alternatives and replacement were futile. On other aircraft the towbar is useful. Aircraft Spruce was awesome handling the return - thanks.
Richard P
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder S.E Cessna 2 With 15 Extension
June 21, 2023
This is a great idea and for some, Im sure its perfect. I live in a cold climate and this tug does not like any snow in cold weather. It freezes into ice when the motorized wheel spins and then it just slips. Also, leaving the charger in an unheated hangar will leave you with a dead battery and no tug. Very frustrating. Now I have to bring the entire charger home to charge it so Ill be able to use it. I thought for a couple thousand dollars it would work flawlessly year round. If these two items werent a problem, I would have given it five stars.
Rich Y
January 11, 2022
Product works great although when i opened the package the head of the angle drill looked as if it was put in a vice or dropped with noticeable gouges. I contacted the company direct and also sent photos. I was told they would get back to me. Two phone call attempts later and no response. Sure hope if there are any warranty issues i get better service.
Mike
January 29, 2021
I purchased the Redline Sidewinder about a year ago for my Beechcraft Bonanza. Right away there was a problem getting the stabilizing hook to remain attached to the tow pin on the nosewheel column. Tech support advised filing the inside of the split tongue axle bar insert to allow it to slide into the nosewheel axle further, ensuring the hook remained on the pin. I must have filed that tongue for two hours and it never made a difference. I was still able to use the Sidewinder but had to use concerted muscular arm strength and control to keep the Sidewinder stabilized while towing. If I hit a dip or hole in the pavement, the loose stabilizing hook of the Sidewinder would gouge into the trunion, scraping paint each time. Today, the Sidewinder stopped working. The motor spun fine, but the chain drive did not move. Tech Support gave me instructions on an easy fix which was anything but easy. After numerous texts back and forth I decided to try and find a bicycle shop that would be willing to work on such a device. It is a great idea and mostly works well, but it definitely requires some mechanical skill and knowledge to keep it functioning. I would keep a standard tow bar handy for the time where the Sidewinder will unexpectedly break.
Matthew N
January 19, 2021
It didn’t fit my 182j
Shaun S
Verified Purchase
Sidewinder Power Driver Cessna
July 9, 2021
Long story short, its very heavy, very clunky, difficult to clamp on, guaranteed to take the paint off of your gear fork (at least on a 210), and unless you are 5 tall, you have to haunch over to use it. I found it hard to steer with.
I called Redline and the guy was a total jerk, completely insulted that would say anything bad about his product. In short, I would not buy a Redline Sidewinder.
Its a shame because it is very well made.
Mark K
June 10, 2019