Prop strikes with hartzel composite

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trepine
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Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by trepine »

My MT prop is delaminating again, 4 years after the last overhaul for the same issue. It's involving the leading edge on one of the blades so it probably will have to go to Germany. Meaning a painful unpredictable AOG.

Thinking of changing to the hartzel composite. Any pireps on issues with prop strikes / ground clearance since it has a larger radius.

Alternatively the metal prop could be an option but i'm hoping to do the supercharger after it's STC is done so i'm looking to keep weight down up front and ditching the chunk of metal after the SC.

I have a 2008 XLS.
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ricksigler
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by ricksigler »

Gilman,

I installed a Hartzell Top Prop after my prop strike last September. It's about 20 lbs. heavier. We removed the weights and the CG only moved about 1/2 inch. After seeing how easily the MT blades snapped off after hitting any orange cone, I would not go back to a composite just for safety reasons. The new prop was about $4k less expensive than a new MT. Also, the MT was a pain to service. I had to send it to Az. for rebuild whereas there are several shops in NM that do Hartzell's. I think the new prop performs better, but I don't have any hard data to support my claim. The only downsides are that the MT looks cooler and the engine vibrates more on shut down. 2007 XL.

Rick
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pietromarx
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by pietromarx »

I have the Hartzell composite. Vibration much less than with the metal one I had on the previous DA40. Haven't noticed issues with picking up rocks, etc., though I always walk around the tie-downs and immediate taxiways removing the pebbles (at least when on pavement).
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Don
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by Don »

I have owned all the four props available for the DA 40.
Without question, I prefer the Hartzell composite prop first, second is the Hartzell aluminum props,(two versions) and far last is the MT three blade prop. I just had by composite prop serviced for a small nick in the leading edge and the fix was relatively cheap. As for performance, it is hard to judge since all three props have been on different DA40 planes.
Diamond Star XLS, N623DS, SN40.1076
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Joey
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by Joey »

I changed to the Hartzell aluminum top prop after we had the second leading edge ding in two years...all this was done in 2010. No problems since w rock dings and it's easily repaired by almost any AE. I also removed the nose ballast and the difference before/after was 0.1 lbs. climb is about the same (no noticeable difference) and cruise is about 1-2 kts faster. Financially it cost an additional 1500 over a repair to change to the alum prop.
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trepine
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by trepine »

What prop options are available on a 2008 XLS, i'm being told the metal hartzel is not an option with power flow.

Also any recommendations on where to buy the package to change props, and also pricing people have paid or been quoted and when that was.
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by pietromarx »

It seems that the aluminum prop is fine with the Power Flow per this press release: http://www.powerflowsystems.com/news_12082007.php. They specifically call out the new (the 2nd version) of the metal Hartzell as being able to handle the increased output of the Power Flow.
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by Joey »

I have a top prop alum hartzell on my 2008 xls
Joey Ritchie
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trepine
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by trepine »

@joey when did you upgrade that at do you remember the price...Or was it purchased with the metal prop?
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Re: Prop strikes with hartzel composite

Post by ricksigler »

I have a powerflow exhaust and purchased the top prop from the powerflow dealer in Florida. Delivered price to Albuquerque was approximately $8,350 (less than the MAP established by Hartzell).

Rick
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