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Tiger Tugs 8.0 Remote-Controlled Helicopter Tug – 8,000-lb Lift Capacity

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Usually ships in 32 to 33 weeks
CofC and 8130 available at no cost
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Safe – Reliable – Affordable
Easy, One-Person Operation

 

The Tiger Tug Model 8.0 Remote-Controlled Helicopter Tug is specifically designed to move helicopters weighing up to 8,000 lbs. With Tiger Tugs' unique wireless remote-control system, you can maneuver your helicopter into tight hangar spaces effortlessly, while controlling it from any vantage point. The Tiger Tugs system eliminates the need to have an extra person watch for hangar incursions.

Features

Remote Control Steering & Lifting

Tiger Tugs have been designed with the customer in mind. With their unique remote control system, you can maneuver your helicopter into tight hangar spaces effortlessly while controlling it from any vantage point. You no longer need to have an extra person watch for hangar wall incursions. You, the operator, can now see all as you position your helicopter into its parking location!

True Scissor Lift Capability

When you position your Tiger Tug under the helicopter with the saddles lined up, this alignment stays that way as you now raise the supports to safely nest into the cross tubes. No need to guess where the saddles will end up after they are raised. This avoids possible damage to the belly skin that can happen by just missing the cross tubes! With the remote-control system, you are right there watching the lift take place. It is not necessary to walk back and find the raise switch and lose the ability to see if the saddles end up in the correct place.

Advantages

Tiger Tug exclusively uses the HeliSaddle™ supports, which provide the safest non-marring system on the market to protect your valuable investment. The patent-pending rail and support system provides a safe and efficient way of cradling your helicopter for transporting. Tiger Tugs use solid rubber drive tires, eliminating the need to remove and repair multiple hard-to-get-at pneumatic tires. The optional equipment GPU system has a built-in safety feature for disconnecting the GPU cables automatically if the GPU was not removed prior to taking off. The built-in smart charger monitors and charges each deep-cycle battery independently according to its needs. The tough, powder-coated frame resists rust and corrosion and stays looking new for years. Custom color and graphics packages are available.

Specifications

Video Demonstration

General Information
Part #8.0
ManufacturerTiger Tug

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AIRCRAFT COMPATIBILITY

Compatible Aircraft*
Agusta AW119 Koala
Bell 206 , 407 , 505 , UH-1
Eclipse 500
Eurocopter AS350 A-Star (High Skid Gear) , AS350 A-Star (Low Skid Gear) , EC120 Colibri , H120 (EC120) , H130 (EC130) , H135 (EC135) , H145 (EC145)
*This list is for general reference only and may not be entirely accurate for all aircraft. Please confirm all equipment meets the requirements of your aircraft with the owners/maintenance manuals prior to purchasing or using with your aircraft.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question:
What helicopters can the Tiger Tug 8.0 safely move?
Answer:

The Tiger Tug 8.0 is engineered to maneuver helicopters with a gross weight of up to 8,000 lbs (3,628 kg), making it suitable for many light-to-medium rotorcraft models. It is especially useful when paired with the HeliSaddle™ cross-tube lifting system, which cradles the helicopter’s cross tubes rather than relying on skid lift methods. As always, operators should check the manufacturer's lift capacity and helicopter weight specs before use.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
How does the remote control system enhance tug operations?
Answer:

The 8.0 tug’s wireless remote control enables a single operator to see, steer, lift, and position the helicopter from any vantage point. This reduces the need for extra personnel and helps prevent hangar collisions or rotor strikes, since the operator isn’t tied to a fixed control station. The system also includes safety interlocks and failsafe behavior in the event of signal loss.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
What kind of lifting mechanism does the 8.0 tug use?
Answer:

The Model 8.0 helicopter tug utilizes a true scissor-lift system that raises and lowers parallel to its initial alignment, maintaining saddle alignment with the helicopter's cross tubes. This avoids the common issue of lateral shift during lift, which can cause scuffing or damage to the helicopter's belly or mount points. The scissor lift is driven by an electric-over-hydraulic mechanism fully integrated with the remote system.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
What traction and mobility features does this tug provide?
Answer:

The 8.0 tug is outfitted with all-electric drive motors that provide smooth acceleration and deceleration, enabling both coarse and fine movements. Its solid rubber tires eliminate the need for pneumatic maintenance and improve traction, even in snow or ice conditions. For increased grip in demanding conditions, the tug can be optionally equipped with snow chains.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
How are the saddles positioned and adjusted to fit various helicopters?
Answer:

The saddle supports on the 8.0 tug are highly adjustable both lengthwise and laterally on the tug frame, allowing them to align precisely under a helicopter's cross tubes. The HeliSaddle™ system features polyurethane-coated arms that provide a nonmarring contact surface, protecting the helicopter's structure while resisting corrosion, fluids, and UV damage. This flexibility makes the tug compatible with multiple helicopter types, often eliminating the need for custom saddles.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
How compact is the tug when maneuvering in tight hangar spaces?
Answer:

The 8.0 helicopter tug has a low-profile height (about 11”) and compact footprint (53” width) to allow movement beneath low-clearance structures. The remote control gives visibility from any side of the aircraft, making it easier to navigate tight corridors without needing a spotter. Its wireless control, along with its parallel lift design, helps avoid surprises when raising under the helicopter.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
What safety systems are incorporated in the 8.0 helicopter tug?
Answer:

Built-in safety features include automatic battery management, fail-safe lift shutoffs, and remote safety interlocks. The remote system also monitors signal integrity; if the connection is compromised, the tug halts operation to avoid uncontrolled motion. The use of polyurethane saddles further reduces the chances of damaging the helicopter's structure during movement.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
What is the 8.0 tug's lifting travel range?
Answer:

The 8.0 provides a vertical lift of approximately 10.5” (26.7 cm), sufficient to raise the helicopter’s cross tubes clear of ground constraints. This lift range helps avoid interference with landing gear or ground supports while enabling safe repositioning. Operators should ensure ground surfaces are level and stable before lifting to maintain alignment.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
How is the 8.0 tug powered, and how long can it operate?
Answer:

The 8.0 helicopter tug is electrically powered and includes a built-in smart charger that monitors and charges its deep-cycle battery bank individually. This ensures consistent performance across all battery cells, helping to prevent downtime. The charger also features retractable cord reels, allowing for in situ charging without needing to move the tug. Runtime depends on duty cycle, but many users find it adequate for full-day hangar operations.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
How does the 8.0 tug handle outdoor ramp environments?
Answer:

The powder-coated steel frame on the 8.0 tug resists corrosion from weather exposure, and the robust electronics are housed within a removable E-box that can be swapped quickly in case of faults. Solid rubber tires and optional snow chains help maintain traction on slopes or wet surfaces. The remote-drive design also means the operator can stay away from rotor wash and external hazards.

Asked October 14, 2025
Question:
How do customers service or upgrade the tug’s electronics?
Answer:

Tiger Tugs designed the 8.0 with a removable E-box (electronics box) that can be swapped in minutes if needed for maintenance or upgrades. Because electronics are modular, future software or hardware upgrades can be installed without requiring the replacement of the entire tug. This modularity helps minimize downtime and ensures longevity of the investment.

Asked October 14, 2025