Editing Robinson R44 (section)

==Ground handling==
[[File:Robbie Tug Tow Cart R44.jpg|thumb|Robinson Helicopter tow cart connected to R44]]
R44s are equipped with wheel mounts toward the rear of the skids, one on each side, for attachment of removable wheels. The wheels must be removed prior to flight. These brackets are slightly behind the helicopter center of gravity so when the wheels are installed, the helicopter sits nose low.  The wheel assembly has a pivot pin which is inserted into the skid-mounted bracket and then rotated over center to lift the rear of the skids about 2 inches leaving the front of the skids on the ground.  The helicopter can be moved by pulling down on the tail to lift the front of the skids off the ground.  Because of the size and weight of the R44 and the height of the tail from the ground, as compared to the R22, it is extremely difficult if not impossible for a single person to move the helicopter this way.  Another person can help by pushing on the bracing behind the engine.

R44s with fixed floats or deployed pop-out emergency floats must have wheels installed under the skids as the bracket is not accessible. 

All models and years of the R44 include a {{frac|3|4}}-inch-diameter tow ball mounted on the bottom of the fuselage, near the front and offset slightly to the left. A tow cart or tug can be engaged with the ball and then used to lift the front of the helicopter to clear the skids from the ground after the wheels are installed and rotated to lift the rear of the skids.  This makes it possible for a single person to move the helicopter, even over significant distances or not-level surfaces.

Tow carts are available with a variety of features.  There exist manual versions which place the ball mating device behind the wheels so the operator engages the ball then pushes down on the handle to lift the nose.  Others provide a repurposed car-style hydraulic jack or an electric jack to lift the nose.    

Tow carts are available with no motive power, a gas engine or one or two electric motors operated from one or two batteries. Some of the non-powered tow carts are set up to be towed such as behind a golf cart or quad cycle. One manufacturer offered a modified pallet jack.

The other option for ground handling is a landing platform which is large enough for the helicopter to safely land on, has wheels underneath and can be towed between the hangar and take-off location.  These are heavy and must be towed with a vehicle. Platforms are commonly used with R44s.