Ronstan 40QT Orbit Winch — Product Manual

Specifications

• The batch number is stamped on the base of the centre stem: remove the self-tailing arm and drum (installation steps 2 & 3) to read it, and quote it for any service enquiry.
• Performance options (QuickTrim™) must be set before installation: read the whole manual first.

Installation Steps

1. Confirm position and orientation, clean the mounting surface and tape the drilling template in place.
2. Remove the self-tailing arm: pull back the spring-loaded release latch with a fingertip, rotate the arm slightly anti-clockwise and lift it clear. Remove the closing plate and closing washer and keep the three parts together.
3. Grip the top of the drum and pull it vertically off the centre stem (push gently on the central drive shaft with your thumbs if needed). Stand the centre stem on the template with the holes aligned to check the rope entry against the output drive gear.
4. Drill Ø6.5mm holes for M6 bolts (Ø9/32" for 1/4"). Remove the template, clear the debris and clean the deck so the sealant can adhere.
5. Apply sealant under the base of the centre stem around the holes, keeping the drainage channels in the underside of the base plate clean and free of sealant.
6. Fit the centre stem with large washers (or backing plate) and locking nuts below deck, Tef-Gel™ under each fastener head. Hold the fastener with a hex key and tighten the nut from below so the anodising is not worn. No more than 7.1Nm.
7. Slide the drum fully down over the centre stem. Lay the closing washer in its recess in the self tailer, correct side up. Place the closing plate over the drive shaft on top of the centre stem: a pip under the plate locates in a dimple when it is correctly oriented, leaving the bayonet notches exposed.
8. Place the self-tailing arm centred and level on the closing plate, overhanging the rope splitter. Rotate to the chosen position, let the side opposite the latch drop into a bayonet notch, pull back the latch so the arm seats all round, then rotate slightly clockwise until it clicks.
9. Before fitting a handle, check the drum turns smoothly clockwise by hand and will not turn anti-clockwise. With a handle: clockwise drives the drum in fast speed, anti-clockwise in slow speed.

The drilling template (996132, for RA6402, in the downloads) is drawn at 1:1 on A4: print it at 100% / actual size and check the printed copy against the dimensions on the sheet before drilling.

Servicing Steps

1. Remove the self-tailing arm and drum (installation steps 2 and 3). Check the spring-loaded latch works and rinse the arm in fresh water.
2. Inspect the self tailer assembly. If QuickTrim™ is enabled, check the cover rotates against the spring to let the self tailer turn anti-clockwise and springs back to lock it. Rinse in fresh water.
3. Put a handle in the top of the drive shaft. Holding the drive gear, rotate the shaft slightly while pulling up gently to find the release position, then pull the shaft out.
4. Remove the pawls and pawl springs from the drive shaft.
5. Remove the spacer, drive gear and ratchet gear through the opening in the side of the centre stem, and the shaft bearings from inside the top of the stem.
6. Lift off the ball bearing race; grip the roller bearing from opposite sides and snap it up over the containment lip of the centre stem.
7. Remove the gear axle and output gear (prise the axle head plate up with a small flat screwdriver if needed). On reassembly the head plate must sit flush in the machined recess.
8. Check the two top hat bearing inserts in the base are in place, holes clean and lightly greased.
9. Reassemble in reverse order. Hold the shaft pawls closed when dropping the shaft down through the stem so the shaft bearings are not damaged.
10. Lightly grease all gear teeth, drive shaft and axles with a soft brush. The roller bearing and ball bearing race are self-lubricating and must not be greased. Pawls: only a very thin film of Andersen Winch Grease, springs correctly oriented.

Malfunctioning pawls may let the winch release unexpectedly. Press each pawl against its spring: it must move smoothly and return by itself to engage the gear. If not, replace the springs and check again.

Exploded View & Parts List

Part numbers as printed in the manual. Item numbers refer to the exploded view.

Safety Notices

• Do not install or operate the winch before reading and fully understanding the product manual. Winches are very powerful: used improperly they can cause significant damage and/or serious injury.
• Every operator must understand proper operation and the hazards. Keep children and anyone not qualified clear of the winch and of any rigging or fittings under load; tie back long hair and loose clothing.
• Remove winch handles when not in use. On an electric winch, turn off power when not in use, before any maintenance, and before clearing a rope override or other fault.
• Lifting operations: never operate with the rope in the self tailer, and never use the self tailer as a cleat for a rope that lifts or suspends anything. Two persons, constant visual contact with the load, and the rope tied off or led to a cleat or bollard.