Ronstan 50QT 2-Speed Orbit Winch — Product Manual

Specifications

Rope range in imperial as printed in the quick reference guide; the product manual prints 8-14mm (1/2"-9/16").

• 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.
• A three-speed upgrade is available for the two-speed 50QT (quick reference guide).

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.
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 Ø8.5mm holes for M8 bolts (Ø11/32" for 5/16"). Remove the template, clear the debris and clean the deck so the sealant can adhere.
5. Apply sealant under the base plate around the holes, keeping the drainage channels in its underside clean and free of sealant. On metal or carbon fibre the base plate must be completely isolated from the surface to prevent galvanic corrosion.
6. Fit the base plate with large washers (or backing plate) and 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 17.1Nm.
7. Slide the drum fully down over the centre stem. Lay the closing washer in its recess in the self tailer, correct side up.
8. Place the self-tailing arm so it overhangs the rope splitter, rotate the closing plate inside the arm to align with the shaft, and centre it. 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. A visible red flash means the latch is not fully engaged.
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 its slowest speed, anti-clockwise in the faster speed.

The drilling template (996220, for RA6452, RA6453, RA6502 and RA6503, 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

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.