Matco Tailwheel

[BryceKat 125]

Hey Guys,

Whats been your experience setting up and using Matco tailwheels?  I'm thinking of installing the 8" air tire with single arm. Kinda concerned about shimmiing issues as I've heard a couple of guys fight it. Thanks,Bryce

[wypaul 448]

I have the 8" dual fork and it may be somewhat different than the single when it comes to shimmy, not sure.  I had a period of shimmy when I wheel land and the tw touched down but on Matco's recommendation I tightened the vertical axle and now the shimmy for the most part is gone.  Two different strengths of springs on the tail wheel are the general recommend setup to solve shimmy.   I like mine, much nicer than the Maule (aka mal).

Edited 24 Jul 2016 by wypaul
Spell

[BryceKat 125]

 Thanks! What are the two different strengths of springs on the tail wheel that you refer to? And has all of the shimmy gone away? 

[LSaupe 123]

FWIW - no shimmy issues with my single arm.  Using standard springs and arms with about 25% compression in the neutral state.

[wypaul 448]

The springs are the ones that connect the rudder to the tail wheel.  I do not have different springs on mine.  Still shimmies occasionally but seldom.

[akflyer 1427]

I have the 8" single arm and have never had a shimmy issue.  I use compression springs but run them pretty loose.  Tis being said, I think I may go to the 10" wider wheel as some of the places I land even the 8" wide does not work for anything besides an anchor.

 

 

[Av8r_Sed 82]

I recently switched from the solid Maule tailwheel to an 8" Matco pneumatic single arm.  Any comments on the setup?  I've flown it a little and thought I had a little shimmy on my last landing which surprised me a little since I think I've got enough positive caster angle.  The ride is much smoother and I can now unlock and spin in either direction.

[nlappos 413]

My Matco tail wheel, identical to yours, shimmied a bit at higher speeds just after touchdown until I tightened up the main pivot bolt a bit more than the instructions described. Since then I have had no shimmy events.

[Av8r_Sed 82]

Thanks nlappos. I'll give that a go. 

[Av8r_Sed 82]

I tightened up the pivot bolt and it's much happier now. No shimmy. Thanks again nlappos!

[Geoffrey Thorpe 31]

[Av8r_Sed 82]

[ppilotmike 24]

Av8r_Sed, what tailwheel spring are you using? Mike

[Av8r_Sed 82]

I've got the Grove aluminum one circa about 1993.  I'm not sure they make those anymore, although they're making a new one for the SS.