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All of your JetPorter JP100s Electric Aircraft Tug Questions
![JetPorter JP100s]()
We love GSE, and we wanna help you. These are common questions that have been asked along with all the answers. If you have another question on the JP100s, please let us know. We will be glad to provide you with the answer and add to this article for everyone.
General Questions
What type of aircraft will this tractor tow?
The JP100s is capable of towing corporate to regional jet aircraft weighing up to 100,000 lbs.
What are the best features of the JP100s?
The JP100s is an industry leading electric tug that will tow up to 100,000 lbs. This model includes 2 – 10HP motors, all rubber tires so you never have to worry about a flat tire, industrial deep cycle batteries, redundant braking, winch system pressure sensitive mat switch, and a superior 98 inch turning radius for awesome maneuverability and hangar stacking capabilities.![JP100s-Turning-Radius]()
What are the benefits of using the JP100s?
The JP100s doesn’t compete with competition for ease of use in the hangar and on the ramp. This unit allows operators to stack hangars to use all available space in your hangar along with being able to tow the aircraft from underneath the nose. The video below has a great demonstration of this feature.
Aircraft Adapters and Accessories
Do I need any special adapters or accessories for use on my aircraft?
Most aircraft will not need any special adapters or accessories to use the JP100s for towing. The standard nose wheel securing strap method can be used safely on a majority of the aircraft. There are a select few types of aircraft that will need a custom designed head to work with electric tugs. A couple of the common aircraft that custom heads are needed include Falcons, Learjets, and Dash-8s. If you have any questions with the JP100s and your aircraft capability, please ask us!
Is there any extra accessory or add on charges when purchasing the standard unit?
The standard JP100s is priced with all the standard options and accessories included. There are a few accessories and adapters you can purchase extra for your tug. You can review all adapters and accessories at this link for your JetPorter.
Batteries and Charging
How many batteries and what type are in the unit?
There are 16 – 6 volt deep cycle batteries in the unit. The charge time is 8 hours average from full discharge.
How and when would I need to replace the batteries?
If batteries are properly taken care of along with proper charging techniques, the batteries could last operators up to 5 years or longer. The battery manufacturer says you should get at least a 3 year battery life. When you need to replace the batteries, you can call your local industrial battery supplier to come drop off new batteries and pick up your old ones to properly dispose of them.
Can I leave the unit plugged in all the time? If I do, will it hurt the batteries?
Tronair says if you continuously recharge the batteries without discharging them, it will shorten the life. We always recommend along with the manual is recharging the batteries when it reaches 30-40%. The battery charger will also shut off when the batteries are completely charged. To start the charging process again, you would have to disconnect the charger from the unit and connect again.
Will the charger work on 50hz input voltage?
At the time of purchasing your JetPorter, please indicate if you will need a 50 HZ or 60 HZ charger. The chargers are built differently for the two input voltages, but the charger is included with the standard unit at no extra costs.
Is the charger separate from the unit?
The charger is separate from the unit, and you will need to have it installed by a qualified electrician. You will need to make sure you install the charger in the same location where you plan on parking your JP100s.
How long does it take to charge?
From full discharge of the batteries, it takes about 8 hours to recharge them.
What is the standard run time on the unit?
The normal operation is an average of 8 hours on a full charge.
Operation of the JP100s and Components
What type of braking is on the unit?
This unit has 3 different braking systems. The primary system is regenerative braking which changes the electrical fields converting the motor to a generator. By reducing foot pressure to the throttle the operator controls how much braking is applied. A foot pedal operates the service disk brake system. The emergency/parking brake system is automatically set anytime the operator leaves the platform or if electrical or hydraulic power is removed.
![JP100s Brake]()
Is the winch strap manual or hydraulically operated?
The winch is hydraulic and can be operated from the driver’s operating panel or from the rocker switch on the front right hand side of the unit.
![JP100s Cradle]()
Does it have a GPU feature or add on available?
The JP100s does not include a ground power unit / start assist option.
Is there a passenger seat?
Yes, there is an extra seat for a passenger to ride with the driver.
Does it come standard with a tow hitch?
Yes, the rear pintle hitch is standard on the JP100s model.
I need to stand up and see the front of the cradle while driving, how can I accomplish this?
The front steering wheel column can be adjusted to a vertical position to allow a superior operating experience for the driver when standing up. Setting the column in the upright position also sets the tractor into a “slow drive mode” for additional safety.
What type of motors are in the unit?
There are two 10 HP separately excited, continuous duty, DC motors that are coupled directly to independent drive hubs eliminating many drive train parts. These separate motors with independent controllers give the JP100s proportional drive steering providing a zero degree turning radius, reduced tire wear, and increased traction and control on snow and ice.
Is the ride smooth for the operator?
The JP100 series has a leaf spring suspension. The driver and operator standard seats have adjustable suspension providing further comfort.
Support and Spare Parts
If I need support or have any questions, who can I contact?
We are always available along with the JetPorter team at Tronair to help answer any questions and provide support for your unit. If you have any questions, please just ask us!
Should I purchase spare parts?
Tronair has a constant supply of “safety stock” in Ohio. There is no need to buy spare parts when you can have them within 24-48 hours.
What is the warranty on the unit?
A new JP100s comes with a one year standard warranty from the factory.
Does Tronair offer training on the unit?
Tronair offers free training at their facility in Holland, OH for any new and current JetPorter operators. They also can provide technical training over the phone.
Purchasing Your New JP100s
Am I able to have a custom color on the JP100s?
Yes, Tronair can provide the JetPorter series in any color. Non-standard paint will have a small charge. However, standard PPG will not have any extra costs.
Do you have lease options?
Yes, we do offer lease options for the JP100s. Please let us know if you are interested in a lease, and we would be glad to help on it.
Can I trade in my older unit?
We do have a trade-in / buy-back program available to help offset the costs of a new JP100s. For more information on the program and to start the process of trading-in your quality used GSE, please click this link.
Trade-In Program – Click Here to Learn More and Start the Process
JP100s Video Overview
The post FAQs for the JetPorter JP100s appeared first on PilotJohn GSE.
