Winch Operation:
1. Ensure the strap is always over the top of the winch wheel.
If you notice it on the bottom - pull the strap all the way out
and wind it back in so the strap is positioned over the top
of the winch wheel.
2. When loading an aircraft, press the lock lever towards the
handle and frame to the down position and pull the strap
out towards the front of the tug. You should hear the winch
clicking throughout this action.
3. Bring the winch lever to the neutral position which will
leave the strap loose or otherwise unlocked.
4. Connect the strut strap around the nose gear or the “J”
hook (if purchased as an option) - connect to the hook at
the end of the strap. Position the winch lever to the straight
up position (locked) and load the aircraft onto the tug by
cranking the winch handle clockwise. You are now ready to
move the aircraft.
Wet Battery Maintenance: (If you purchased gel cell batteries, there is no battery maintenance
required.)
1. New batteries (wet or gel cell) require a full charge before use and need to be cycled several times before
reaching full capacity.
2. Battery connections should be kept tight at all times. Periodic inspection is recommended.
3. Vent caps should remain in place and tight at all times during operation and charging.
4. Keep batteries clean from all dirt and corrosion.
5. A maintenance routine should be set up to check the battery fluid level every two (2) weeks initially until an
adequate routine is established for the particular operating environment. The acid level should be 1/4”
above the battery cell plates. The acid level should never touch the fill well. Distilled or treated water should
be used to replenish the batteries. Care should be taken to avoid metallic contamination (iron).
6. Batteries should not be discharged to the point of no longer being able to power the tug. Keeping the
batteries fully charged will greatly reduce the risk of a dead battery when you need it most.
7. Batteries should be brought up to a full charge at the earliest opportunity using the built in 24V battery
charger with reverse polarity protection and float mode. The battery charger should be left on when the tug
is parked to maintain proper charging and maintenance of batteries at all times. Keeping the batteries fully
charged will reduce the risk of freezing in cold temperatures.
8. Avoid charging the batteries when the ambient temperature exceeds 120
o
F.
9. As batteries age, the maintenance requirements increase. Maintain the water level. Older batteries will take
longer to fully charge.
10. Periodic battery testing is an important preventative maintenance procedure. Hydrometer readings of each
cell while fully charged gives an indication of balance and the true charge level. Imbalance could mean the
need for equalizing, and is also a sign of potentially improper charging or a bad cell. Voltage tests (open
circuit, charged or discharged) can identify a bad or weak battery. Load testing will identify a bad battery
when other methods fail. A weak battery will cause premature failure of a companion battery.
11. Extreme temperatures can substantially affect battery performance and charging. Cold temperatures
reduce battery capacity and retard charging. Heat increases water usage resulting in overcharging.
EL3-S & EL3-H Assembly & Operating Instructions / 7-17-17
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Airtug® / 1350 Chester Industrial Parkway, Avon OH 44011 / 216-941-9781 / www.airtug.com
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