Tapered Rod vs. Flat Leaf Tailwheel Spring

[swpilot3]

Has anyone considered using the tapered rod tailwheel spring instead of the leaf on the 4-place BearHawk? I've read several places that the rod is possibly superior.

I know you guys have a wealth of experience and knowledge. Any drawbacks, general thoughts or experience with it?

Thanks!

[mswain]

There was a short discussion on this a while back.

http://bearhawkforums.com/forum/bearhawk-general-discussion-news/7440-tail-wheel-spring

The 2 builders I know here use the rod on their 4 place, but I think it's important to use the right alloy and hardness for longevity.

[swpilot3]

Awesome! Thanks, I didn't see that one when I was searching.

[alaskabearhawk]

Dan Shilling has a tailwheel and tapered spring from a C185 on his BH. No problems that I know of. Rod Smith also did a tapered spring on his, but I don't know if he is flying yet. Scott Weinberg of Iron Designs manufactures Bobwheels with an option for a tapered spring and sells the springs as well: http://www.irondesign-airparts.com/index.html. Eric Newton sells the Bobwheel with the option of a tapered spring mount, but I don't think he sells the spring itself. I'm sure he could tell you a source for the tapered springs: http://bhtailwheels.com/catalog_2.html

[Enewton57]

I do sell the tapered rod springs (stainless steel)as well. I sell them with the Tailwheel and match drill them to each other.

I haven't made a conversion adapter to convert the fuselage attachment from leaf spring to rod spring on your Bearhawk fuselage yet. I have a drawing for one but haven't made one yet. Now that I am seeing some interest in them, I might start making them soon.

Mark also carries both types of the tailspring (rod and leaf) www.bearhawkaircraft.com


Eric Newton
Bearhawk Tailwheels LLC

Http://bhtailwheels.com

Bearhawk Builder Manuals

Http://mybearhawk.com

[Mark Goldberg]

FYI - the round tail spring for the Patrol is not beefy enough for the 4 place with more gross weight. It will end up bending. Mark

[jaredyates]

I asked Bob about converting mine. I was facing the prospect of having a tapered rod machined and then heat treated, and building a bracket that would mount to the leaf spring bolt holes. Then I'd need to replace at least the body section of the tailwheel. All of that didn't seem to be worth it at the time. One advantage to the rod is that it can accept loads from all directions.

[swpilot3]

Great information guys. Sounds like there are some good merits to the tapered rod.

I've seen a handful of guys have issues with shimmy with the leaf spring. Also, over time it sounds like the leaf will need to be re-sprung. Those are the bigger reasons I was considering the tapered rod spring. Plus, the well respected C180 had the rod.

I saw on the other thread that an experienced CFI and A&P had a tapered rod, but was going back to the leaf. No reason was given.

I imagine there's a reason why Bob designed it with the leaf originally. Anyone know what it was?

[alaskabearhawk]

Probably simplicity..and he had one lying around. The tapered spring isn't a totally magic solution. They can bend and take a set as well. I know Dan said his tail was up higher and he didn't care for that.