Tronair JP30, Operation & Service Manual

Page: 10 / 83

Models: JP30, JP30L
Electric Towbarless Tug
07/2015 | Rev. 10 Page | 6
6.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Stand on Operator Platform and pull the E-stop up.
2.
Turn the “Off-On-Start” switch to the “Start” position and then release.
3. When operating the
JETporter, stand firmly on the operator’s platform, with legs spread slightly apart and body braced
against the backrest. Keep one hand firmly on the steering wheel and the other on the Joystick. Do not move JETporter
any faster than is necessary.
4. Make sure the cradle is raised off the ground. Grab the Joystick and squeeze the Person Present (deadman) switch.
Slowly move the Joystick in the desired direction of travel. If you activate the throttle before squeezing deadman switch,
your JETporter will not move. This is a safety feature built into the controller. Release the throttle back to neutral and start
over in the direction you want to travel.
5. This vehicle is NOT designed to coast. Accelerating, braking, and maintaining a constant speed are all very dependent
on Joystick position. This results in a vehicle that is very easy to drive and extremely easy to control on inclines. Squeeze
and hold the deadman switch on the Joystick. Slowly move the Joystick in the Forward or Reverse direction to accelerate;
slowly move the Joystick back to center to brake. Hold the Joystick steady for a steady speed.
6. Moving the Joystick back to center, moving the Joystick into the opposite direction, or releasing the deadman lever will all
brake at the same rate.
7. The Parking Brake Hand Button can be used for more precise stopping on inclines. Hold the JETporter to a stop using the
Joystick; press and hold the Parking Brake Hand Button before releasing the Joystick. This will eliminate the time laps
between releasing the deadman and the automatic setting of the parking brake.
WARNING
Available stopping torque is reduced when the transmission is set for high gear. Stopping distances may
be longer when the transmission is set for high gear.
WARNING
Do not make sharp turns while moving rapidly. Always look behind you before backing up.
6.1 LOADING AIRCRAFT
1. Check with the owner/operator of the aircraft to determine what
precautions need to be taken to properly tow the aircraft.
Determine if any
steering linkages or other components need to be disconnected or bypassed
in order to allow the nose wheel to turn within its prescribed turning limits.
2. The lift cradle is equipped with three sets of holes in the side support arms to
accept a 1
” diameter 20” long bar. The top two sets of holes are to be used for
aircraft without nose wheel pants. Based on the diameter of the nose wheel
put the bar through the set of holes that will best handle that particular aircraft.
The top hole for example w
ould be used for large diameter (18”) single nose
wheel Cessna Citations or Lear Jets. Put the bar through the lowest set of
holes only for single engine aircraft that have nose wheel pants. The nose
wheel pant will slide over the top of the bar.
Note: With whatever set of holes you use, lift the cradle only high enough off the ground to clear obstacles while
moving the aircraft. If you raise the cradle too high a sudden stop or other circumstance could cause the nose wheel
of the aircraft to roll over the top of the bar and onto the tug causing damage to the aircraft and possible injury to the
operator.
To avoid this situation use the safety strap as described in #3. Notice that the moveable side plates are tapered as they
go forward. This is to keep the side plates from touching the bottom of the side of the wheel pant when the cradle is
raised. Pay attention as you raise the cradle and make sure you do not raise it too high and allow the side plates to
contact the bottom of the wheel pant.
3. Position the JETporter in front of the aircraft nose wheel and lower the lift cradle to the ground. Winch the nose wheel onto
the lift cradle, utilizing the strut strap or appropriate attachment. Make sure there is a little slack in the winch strap
before lifting the cradle as it will move up and away from the tug as it is raised. This will increase the tension in
the strap and could damage the aircraft nose wheel assembly as the cradle is being raised. Once the cradle is
raised to the desired height then retighten the winch strap so it has adequate tension in it to keep the aircraft
secure in the cradle.
Some aircraft have sensors or other components attached to the nose wheel strut and may be
damaged by using the nylon strut strap. In such cases do not move the aircraft unless you have an appropriate towing
adapter. Check for proper ratchet operation on each use of the winch. Do not use if ratchet will not lock properly, seek
immediate repairs.