REIMANN GEORGER CORPORATION VLS Vertical Boat Lift DC Power Drive Instructions

REIMANN GEORGER CORPORATION VLS Vertical Boat Lift DC Power Drive

SAFETY

INTRODUCTION
Your Reimann & Georger Corporation Marine Products 24V DC direct power drive mounts to the winch side to lift your boat out of the water. The exclusive right angle design minimizes the intrusion of dock space. Your power drive is well-designed and well-built. However, like any other equipment, it can malfunction or become hazardous in the hands of an inexperienced and/or untrained user. Therefore, read this manual and your related vertical lift manual thoroughly before operating the power drive to provide maximum safety for all operating personnel, and to get the maximum benefit from your equipment.

WARNING:
AN INSTALLED POWER DRIVE BECOMES AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ASSOCIATED VERTICAL LIFT. THEREFORE, DO NOT USE THE POWER DRIVE TO OPERATE THE LIFT WITHOUT STUDYING BOTH THIS MANUAL AND THE VERTICAL LIFT MANUAL. FAILURE TO DO THIS CAN LEAD TO MISUSE OF THE DRIVE AND/OR LIFT WITH RESULTING DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY. CONTACT YOUR RGC MARINE DEALER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

INSTALLATION SAFETY

1. Insure that all bolts and nuts are fastened securely prior to operation.

OPERATING SAFETY

General

1. Before allowing anyone to operate the drive, be sure they fully understand the proper operating procedure and the use of all controls and connections for both the drive and the lift.
2. Completely remove any user or dealer installed locking devices before operating the lift.
3. Do not operate the drive and the lift under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
4. Do not exceed the rated maximum capacity of the lift. This can damage the drive, lift and/or boat with resulting serious personal injury.
5. Never allow anyone into the boat when suspended in the lift.
6. Never operate the drive without the cover installed over the drive assembly. Keep fingers and clothing clear of all moving parts of the lift and direct drive.
7. Do not attempt to make any adjustments on the lift or drive during operation.
8. Disconnect and lock out the power source when not using the drive to prevent unauthorized use.
9. Never use the drive installation or any part of the lift to hang or store any auxiliary equipment such as boating hardware.

Safety When Raising the Boat

1. The power drive shaft must turn clockwise to raise the platform. The brake pawl on the winch must click, indicating that the brake is operative.
2. Do not try to raise the boat beyond the maximum lifting height of the platform. This can cause lift and drive damage.
   WARNING : IF THE POWER DRIVE SHAFT TURNS COUNTERCLOCKWISE TO RAISE THE PLATFORM, YOU HAVE REEVED THE WINCH INCORRECTLY. THE DRIVE WILL IMMEDIATELY ENCOUNTER STRONG RESISTANCE WHICH CAN DAMAGE THE DRIVE AND/OR WINCH AND BREAK THE CABLE.

Safety When Lowering the Boat

1. The power drive shaft must turn counter-clockwise when lowering the platform.
   WARNING: IF THE DRIVE SHAFT TURNS CLOCKWISE TO LOWER THE PLATFORM, YOU HAVE REEVED THE WINCH INCORRECTLY. THE BRAKE PAWL WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE WHICH CAN CAUSE AN UNCONTROLLED SPIN-DOWN OR “FREEWHEEL” OF THE WINCH SHAFT. IF FREEWHEELING OCCURS, NEVER TRY TO STOP IT.

2. Counter-clockwise rotation of the power drive shaft allows the self-activating brake mechanism to provide a controlled lowering of the platform.
   WARNING: NEVER RELEASE THE BRAKE PAWL OF THE WINCH. THIS CAN TRIGGER AN UNCONTROLLED SPIN-DOWN OR “FREEWHEEL” OF THE WINCH SHAFT.

3. Do not continue lowering the platform after the boat floats freely. Excessive slack in winch cable may cause binding.

SPECIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL DATA

MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS

• HORSEPOWER: 3/4 HP 1 HP
• VOLTAGE: 24 VDC 24 VDC
• RPM: 1800 1800
• SERVICE FACTOR: 1.0 1.0
• AMPS: 29 39

Two group 27 deep cycle batteries are recommended for powering the drive unit. The control box power cable connecting to the battery cable and the battery cable are each 10 feet long.

INSTALLATION AND SETUP

PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS

1. Ensure that the vertical lift has been properly installed as described in your lift manual.

2. Check that the winch is reeved properly. Do not install the direct drive until the winch is reeved as described in your lift manual.

3. Do not install or use the drive if it shows any signs of damage.

4. Do not weld or otherwise modify any part of the drive assembly. Such alterations may damage the drive and/or the winch and void the associated warranties.

5. Two people will be needed to mount this drive onto the winch. The following precautions must be observed when lifting any part of this equipment:

6. Be sure of your footing.

7. Bend your knees and lift with your legs.

8. Hold the equipment section close to your body when lifting.
   WARNING: THE DRIVE IS TOO HEAVY TO SAFELY MOUNT IT SINGLE-HANDEDLY. ATTEMPTING THIS CAN CAUSE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY.

9. Tools required for installing this drive. Two 3/4” wrenches, two 9/16” wrenches, one 1/2” wrench, one 9/32” wrench, one 3/4” deep wall socket with ratchet, and one #2 Phillips screwdriver.
   WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE BRASS WASHER FROM THE WINCH INPUT SHAFT. THE SPRING LOADED WINCH BRAKE PAWL MUST REMAIN ENGAGED DURING THE POWER DRIVE INSTALLATION.

WINCH INPUT COUPLER INSTALLATION

1. Screw the acme coupler (8) clockwise onto the winch input shaft. The coupler must pinch the brass washer and brake sprocket tightly against the friction disk.
2. Verify that the brake pawl is engaged on the brake sprocket.
3. Install 1/2” washer (E) onto the end of the input shaft.
4. Install and securely fasten the 1/2”-20 locknut (G) onto input shaft. Tighten using a 3/4” socket/ratchet.

MOUNTING THE DIRECT DRIVE

1. Unpack the drive by removing the 5/16 X 3/4 bolt from the mounting plate to which the motor is attached. Do not remove the 1/4 X 1” bolt from the wood frame.
2. Remove the 3/8 X 1” bolt, nut, and washer, from the direct drive mounting bracket.
3. Remove from the winch, the 3/8 nuts and washers off both the 3/8 X 1” carriage bolt that is pressed into the winch wall, and the 3/8 X 6-1/2” bolt that holds the winch wall spacer. DO NOT remove either of the 3/8 bolts.
4. Insert rubber spider onto direct drive coupler.
5. Make sure the fingers on the direct drive and winch shaft couplers are properly aligned. You may need to turn the winch shaft coupler to do this.
6. Lightly moisten rubber spider with water to assist in mating the couplers.
7. Mount the direct drive assembly to the winch as shown. Re-install and hand tighten washers and nuts (removed in step 3) onto the winch supplied bolts. Install the 3/8 x 1” bolt (A), washers (C & D), and nut (F) supplied with mounting bracket, from the inside of winch wall to outside of mounting bracket. Lightly fasten.
8. Position mounting bracket for best alignment, then securely fasten all 3/8 nuts.
9. Using a 9/32” wrench, remove from reducer the installed 1/8” shipping plug (red pipe plug). Install the vent plug (N) supplied with unit.
   CAUTION: FAILURE TO INSTALL SUPPLIED VENT PLUG COULD, IN PROLONGED USE, BLOW THE REDUCER SEALS AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

COUPLER ALIGNMENT AND GAP ADJUSTMENT

1. The centerline of the direct drive coupler must align with the centerline of the winch input shaft coupler. Align if necessary, by loosening the gearbox mounting bolts and positioning the gearbox as required. Re-tighten bolts.
   CAUTION : FAILURE TO PROPERLY ALIGN THESE CENTER LINES CAN CAUSE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.

2. With the winch shaft coupler threaded tightly against the brake sprocket, measure the gap between the couplers. A 1/8” gap is required to insure proper brake operation.
   CAUTION : FAILURE TO MAKE THE PROPER GAP ADJUSTMENT CAN CAUSE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.

3. If adjustments are required to achieve this 1/8” gap, use the supplied Allen wrenches to loosen the coupler and shaft collar set screws on the gearbox output shaft. Make the proper adjustments to this coupler position.

4. Tighten all hardware after making the adjustments.

5. There will be a 1/8” gap between the two couplers when the platform is raised. This gap closes when the brake is released and the platform is lowered.

VL DIRECT DRIVE HD GUARD / SWITCH INSTALLATION

1. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, fasten the long winch mounting bracket (15) to the backside of guard (14) with 1/4 -20 x 1/2 machine screws (K).
2. Fasten short mounting bracket (13) to the gearbox mounting plate with 1/4 -20 x 1” machine screws.
3. Remove screws from backside of winch guard and install VL Direct Drive Guard over drive assembly. Fasten guard to bracket on gearbox mounting plate with 1/4 -20 x 1/2 machine screws. Fasten guard to winch using previously removed screws.

WARNING: NEVER OPERATE THE DIRECT DRIVE WITHOUT THE MOTOR GUARD IN PLACE. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.

VL REMOTE CONTROL MOUNTING

PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS

1. Do not use the RC panel if it shows any signs of damage.
2. Proper function of the RC system is dependent upon several factors that are not controllable by the manufacturer. RGC is not responsible for the following:
   • Improper installation
   • Low battery
   • Natural occurrences
   • Use other than intended
   • Location of panel, receiver, or transmitter too close to interfering metal objects
   • Multiple RC panels within 15 feet of each other
   • Use in area with external interference such as radio, cell phone and TV towers, or a natural magnetic field
   • Blocked or shielded antenna
   • Other transmitter interference from cell phones, cordless phones, wireless systems, CB and mobil transmitters, computer and industrial equipment, electric motors, even fluorescent lights

MOUNTING REMOTE CONTROL PANEL

1. Mount the remote control to the winch mounting bracket as shown.
2. Attach limit switch bracket assembly onto vertical leg A, approximately 10 inches below “Maximum Lift Height” decal. Fasten securely.
3. Reposition limit switch bracket assembly after maximum lift height has been established for your boat and lift installation. Your maximum lift height must include rough water conditions and rising water tables.

CONNECTING THE BATTERIES

1. Connect the battery cable to the two batteries by connecting the black & red wire to the positive terminal of battery #1, and the black wire to the negative terminal of battery #2. Connect jumper cable (12) to the negative terminal of battery #1 and to the positive terminal of battery #2. If the cable end does not fit battery stud, rotate jumper cable end for end.
2. Connect the power cable from the control box to the battery power cable.
3. Use plastic zip ties and any other supplies needed to tie off the electrical cords. This protects the cords from abrasion, sharp objects, water contact and other harm.

OPERATION

TESTING WINCH OPERATION
After the lift installation is complete, it is important that the winch functions properly. Test the winch operation as follows:

1. Turn and hold the switch in the UP position to raise the empty platform about one-fourth the way up. Then release the switch. If the winch is functioning properly, the brake mechanism will hold the platform at any position. The direct drive must turn clockwise when raising the platform. The brake pawl must click, indicating that the brake is operative.
   WARNING : IF THE DIRECT DRIVE SHAFT MUST TURN COUNTERCLOCKWISE TO RAISE THE PLATFORM, YOU HAVE REEVED THE WINCH INCORRECTLY. THE DRIVE WILL IMMEDIATELY ENCOUNTER STRONG RESISTANCE WHICH CAN DAMAGE THE DRIVE AND/OR WINCH AND BREAK THE CABLE.

2. Repeat Step 1 in the half, three-quarters, and full lift positions.

3. Lower the empty platform to repeat steps 1 and 2 with your boat on the lift. The direct drive shaft must turn counter-clockwise when lowering the platform. This counter-clockwise rotation allows the self-activating brake mechanism to stop the platform lowering as soon as the operator releases the switch from the DOWN position. Make sure this brake mechanism is operative.
   WARNING : IF THE DRIVE SHAFT MUST TURN CLOCKWISE TO LOWER THE PLATFORM, YOU HAVE REEVED THE WINCH INCORRECTLY. THE BRAKE PAWL WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE WHICH CAN CAUSE AN UNCONTROLLED SPIN-DOWN OR “FREEWHEEL” OF THE WINCH SHAFT. IF FREEWHEELING OCCURS, NEVER TRY TO STOP IT. DO NOT USE THE LIFT IN THIS CONDITION.

4. Contact your authorized dealer if the winch mechanism fails to perform as described in this section. Do NOT tamper with the winch mechanism.

RAISING AND LOWERING THE PLATFORM

1. Raise the platform by turning and holding the switch in the UP position until the platform is at the desired level. The switch can be released any time to stop the platform movement and the self-activating brake mechanism will hold the platform at that height. Do not try to raise the boat beyond the maximum lifting height of the platform. This can cause lift and direct drive damage.

2. Platform should be raised a minimum of 1 foot between bottom of boat and highest potential water table height for your geographic area.

3. Lower the platform by turning and holding the switch in the DOWN position. The switch can be released any time to stop the platform movement. Do not continue lowering the platform after the boat floats freely from it. Excessive winch cable slack may cause cable, lift, and winch damage.
   WARNING: NEVER RELEASE THE BRAKE PAWL OF THE WINCH. THIS CAN TRIGGER AN UNCONTROLLED SPIN-DOWN OR “FREEWHEEL” OF THE WINCH SHAFT.

4. Check the lift periodically for frayed cables and/or binding pulleys.

5. Never operate the direct drive from inside the boat or lift.

6. Keep fingers and clothing clear of all moving parts of the lift and power drive. Keep people clear during operation of the lift.

REMOTE CONTROL INFORMATION
The remote transmitter can de-program due to either a power loss (dead RC battery) or electrical interference, which will require reprogramming of the transmitter.

1. Press the LEARN button once and release.
2. Press the STOP button within 5 seconds of pressing the LEARN button to program the transmitter.

TROUBLESHOOTING

The following chart is intended to assist with troubleshooting the power drive. While not all inclusive, the chart outlines the most common causes of a problem and the recommended course of action. The troubleshooting guide for the associated vertical lift is in the vertical lift instruction manual.

Power drive does not start when switch is turned to either the UP or DOWN position.| Poor electrical connection—clean as required and insure that all connections are tight.

Faulty cord – inspect / replace

Power drive wired improperly—do NOT tamper with either electrical supply or the power line connections at either the drive or the main breaker. Consult a licensed electrical contractor.

Power drive starts, but winch resists platform raising.| Winch has been reeved incorrectly—winch must turn clockwise to raise platform. See Chapter 3 of the vertical lift manual.

Shaft bearings corroded – inspect/lubricate/replace. Sheaves binding—inspect/lubricate/replace.

Winch cable is rubbing against the winch frame—repeat winch reeving if necessary as described in Chapter 3 of your vertical lift manual.

Power drive is turning winch, but platform raising is either difficult or impossible.| Platform is binding because frame is either not square or not set level in the water—refer to Chapter 3 of the vertical lift manual.

One or more cables are broken—replace as required. Sheaves binding—inspect/lubricate/replace.

One or more cables are excessively worn—replace as required and follow monthly wire rope inspection procedure described in Chapter 5 of your vertical lift manual.

Load exceeds rated capacity—the rated capacity in pounds is the first two digits of your lift number times 100. For example, a VL100148 has a rated capacity of 100 x 100 or 10,000 lbs.

Reduce load weight as needed. Broken winch chain – replace

User or dealer installed locking devices are in place—remove these.

Auxiliary equipment such as boating hardware is being improperly hung on lift—remove this equipment permanently.

PARTS LISTS

3721050 24V VLDD RC 6K ASSEMBLY / R18LT WINCH

3711250 VLDDRC ASSY 24V 6K R18 3/4HP 15:1GR GEM SQ LEG

3707025 VLDD R18LT COVER ASSY KIT

3721070 24V VLDD RC 8K ASSEMBLY / R18LT WINCH

3711251 VLDDRC ASSY 24V 8K R18 1HP 15:1GR GEM SQ LEG

3707025 VLDD R18LT COVER ASSY KIT

3721090 24V VLDD RC 10K ASSEMBLY / R18HD WINCH

3711253 VLDDRC ASSY 24V 10K R18HD 1HP 20:1GR GEM SQ LEG

3710635 VLDD R18HD COVER ASSY KIT

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