RGC VL4000 User manual

VL4000
VERTICAL LIFT
INSTRUCTIONS
REIMANN & GEORGER CORPORATION
MARINE PRODUCTS BUFFALO, NY
P/N 6112070 3/1/01

PRE-LIFTING CHECKLIST
The lift and related equipment must be thoroughly inspected prior to each use. Only those who have read and understood this
entire manual and related equipment manuals are qualified to do this inspection. This checklist is to be used as a guideline in
conjunction with the maintenance and inspection procedures outlined in this manual. It is recommended that the inspection
be maintained as a permanent record.
Insure the lift installation will clear all power lines and obstructions.
Insure all structural members of the lift are free of defects and damage that may affect the integrity.
Insure that an electric drive, if used, has been inspected and installed by a certified electrician in accordance with local
electrical codes. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (G.F.C.I.) must be installed by your electrician and work properly.
Insure that any user or dealer installed locking devices have been removed before operating the lift.
Operate the lift first without, and then with, your boat on the platform to test the operation of both the lift and the
winch.
Insure the boat is properly positioned on the lift before doing any raising or lowering.
Insure the lift is not being used beyond its rated capacity.
Insure any drain plug is in place on the boat before launching.
Conduct the wire rope inspection procedure described in Chapter 5 at least monthly.
Insure the leg pins connect the vertical legs to the adjustable legs. Insure the leg height has been properly adjusted
according to the water depth.
Insure the frame and platform fastenings are tight.
Insure the lower diagonal braces are installed in each corner.
Insure the frame is level and square according to the dimensions shown in Figure 3-6, Chapter 3.
Insure the cable end loops of the load and spreader tubes are fastened to the bracket at the bottom of each vertical leg.
Insure the cable studs opposite the cable end loops in the platform assembly are tight. If tightening is needed, follow
the sequence described in Section 3.8 of Chapter 3. Then tighten the jam nuts to the cable nuts to lock the position.
Insure the winch is securely fastened to vertical leg “A”.
Insure the handwheel has been attached to the winch hubplate.
Insure the spinner knob is attached to the handwheel using the preassembled hardware.
Insure the A-B load tube cable stud is fastened to leg B to enable winch operation.
Insure set screw securing wire rope end to the drum is tight and in good condition.
When facing the front of the handwheel, insure that the wire rope winds and unwinds from the left side of the winch.
This reeving will raise the platform when the handwheel is turned clockwise, and lower the platform when the
handwheel is turned counterclockwise. The brake pawl must click, meaning the brake is operative.
Insure the guards are in place before operating the winch.
Insure the plastic caps are installed onto the tops of the vertical legs and the ends of the upper short horizontal tubes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
RGC MARINE PRODUCTS PHONE: [phone]
1 SAFETY........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Safety Definitions...........................................................................................................................1
1.3 Equipment Safety Labels................................................................................................................1
1.4 Equipment And Personnel Safety ..................................................................................................1
1.5 Installation Safety...........................................................................................................................2
1.6 Operating Safety.............................................................................................................................2
1.6.1 General ...........................................................................................................................................2
1.6.2 Safety When Raising the Boat........................................................................................................3
1.6.3 Safety When Lowering the Boat ....................................................................................................3
1.7 Maintenance and Storage Safety ....................................................................................................3
2 SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................5
2.1 Technical Data................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Nameplate and Serial Number Tag.................................................................................................5
2.3 Optional Equipment........................................................................................................................5
3 INSTALLATION AND SETUP..................................................................................................7
3.1 Pre-Installation Checks...................................................................................................................7
3.2 Prior To Setup ................................................................................................................................7
3.3 Vertical Leg Assembly...................................................................................................................8
3.4 Frame Side Assembly.....................................................................................................................8
3.5 Platform Assembly.........................................................................................................................9
3.6 Mounting The Platform To The Frame .........................................................................................10
3.7 Mounting The Lower Diagonal Braces.........................................................................................11
3.8 Platform Reeving And Adjustment ...............................................................................................12
3.9 Winch/Handwheel Mounting ........................................................................................................13
3.10 Reeving The Winch.......................................................................................................................14
3.11 Moving Lift To Operating Position...............................................................................................16
4 OPERATION...............................................................................................................................17
4.1 Before Operating The Lift.............................................................................................................17
4.2 Testing Winch Operation ..............................................................................................................17
4.3 Raising And Lowering The Platform ............................................................................................18
4.4 Securing Lift When Not In Use.....................................................................................................18
5 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.....................................................................................19
5.1 General Maintenance Rules...........................................................................................................19
5.2 Wire Rope Inspection Procedure...................................................................................................19
5.3 Annual Inspection..........................................................................................................................20
5.4 Annual Winch Maintenance..........................................................................................................20
5.5 Storage Procedure..........................................................................................................................21
6 TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................................................................................23
7 PARTS LISTS..............................................................................................................................25
7.1 #3641080 VL 40108 Bundles........................................................................................................25
7.1.1 #3640120 VL 40108 Bundle 1 of 2...............................................................................................25
7.1.2 #3640121 VL 40108 Bundle 2 of 2...............................................................................................25

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
RGC MARINE PRODUCTS PHONE: [phone]
7.2 #3641160 VL 40116 Bundles........................................................................................................25
7.2.1 #3640123 VL 40116 Bundle 1 of 2...............................................................................................25
7.2.2 #3640122 VL 40116 Bundle 2 of 2...............................................................................................25
7.3 VL Extension Legs........................................................................................................................25
7.4 VL Bunks 1.6-4K..........................................................................................................................26
7.5 VL 40108 and VL 40116 Common Hardware..............................................................................26
7.6 #3703812 VL Handwheel 4’ 3-5K Carton....................................................................................26
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE
2-1 Typical Product Nameplate............................................................................................................5
3-1 Vertical Lift Frame & Platform Assembly.....................................................................................7
3-2 Lift/Dock Placement Options.........................................................................................................8
3-3 Vertical Leg Assembly...................................................................................................................8
3-4 Frame Side Assembly.....................................................................................................................9
3-5 Platform Assembly—Top View ....................................................................................................10
3-6 Frame Squaring Assembly/Table ..................................................................................................11
3-7 Lower Diagonal Brace Assembly..................................................................................................12
3-8 Cable Reeving & Adjustment........................................................................................................13
3-9 VL Handwheel Mounting..............................................................................................................14
3-10 Winch Cable Reeving....................................................................................................................15
5-1 Wire Rope Components ................................................................................................................20
Exploded Assembly Drawings ............................................................................................. Chapter 7

1 SAFETY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Your Reimann & Georger Corporation Marine Products Aluminum Vertical Lift has been engineered to provide lifting
performance, long term economics and safety advantages that no other type can match. However, even a well-designed
and well-built lift can malfunction or become hazardous in the hands of an inexperienced and/or untrained user. Therefore,
read this manual and related equipment manuals thoroughly before operating your lift to provide maximum safety for all
operating personnel, and to get the maximum benefit from your equipment.
WARNING:
DO NOT OPERATE THIS LIFT WITHOUT STUDYING THIS ENTIRE MANUAL. FAILURE
TO DO THIS CAN LEAD TO EQUIPMENT MISUSE WITH RESULTING DAMAGE AND/OR
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. CONTACT YOUR RGC®MARINE DEALER IF YOU HAVE
ANY QUESTIONS.
1.2 SAFETY DEFINITIONS
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others or cause property damage. The safety
messages or signal words for product safety signs are DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION. Each safety message is
preceded by a safety alert symbol and is defined as follows:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will cause death or serious injury. This
safety message is limited to the most extreme situations.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It
may also be used to alert against unsafe practices and property-damage-only accidents.
1.3 EQUIPMENT SAFETY LABELS
These labels warn you of potential hazards that could cause injury. Read them carefully. If a label comes off or becomes
illegible, contact a Reimann & Georger Corporation dealer for a free replacement.
1.4 EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL SAFETY
1. Do not use the lift if it shows any signs of damage.
2. Do not exceed the rated maximum lifting capacity of this equipment.
3. When using a direct drive or motorized friction drive, understand the use of all controls and connections provided with
it.
WARNING:
ALL ELECTRIC DRIVES MUST BE INSTALLED AND INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED
ELECTRICIAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES. THIS
INSTALLATION MUST INCLUDE A PROPERLY WORKING GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER. (G.F.C.I.)
4. Never try lifting anything other than a boat with this equipment.
5. Never allow people in the boat any time it is suspended above the water on the platform.
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WARNING:
DO NOT STAND OR WALK ON THE PLATFORM WHILE IT IS IN ANY RAISED POSITION.
THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
6. Do not allow anyone to swim or play under, near or on the lift at any time.
1.5 INSTALLATION SAFETY
1. Insure that all bolts and nuts are fastened securely prior to operation.
2. Insure the pulleys spin freely. If any pulley binds, replace it immediately.
3. Do not weld or otherwise modify the lift. Such alterations may weaken the structural integrity of the lift and void the
warranty.
4. All lifting accessories such as pontoon brackets, pivoting bunks, and guide-ons, must be commercially manufactured,
have a rated load capacity equal to that of the lift, and be properly maintained and installed.
5. Insure that the frame is level and square.
6. The following precautions must be observed when lifting any part of this equipment:
a. Be sure of your footing.
b. Bend your knees and lift with your legs.
c. Hold the equipment section close to your body when lifting.
7. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling wire rope. Insufficient hand protection when handling wire rope can cause
personal injury.
1.6 OPERATING SAFETY
1.6.1 General
1. Never use this equipment beyond its rated capacity. This can damage the lift and/or boat with resulting serious
personal injury.
2. Before allowing anyone to operate the lift, be certain they fully understand the proper operating procedure.
3. Completely remove any user or dealer installed locking devices before operating the lift.
4. Follow the Pre-Lifting Checklist before operating.
5. Do not try lifting or launching your boat in rough water conditions. This can damage your boat and/or the lift.
6. The boat must be secured on the lift before raising or lowering. Failure to do this can cause equipment damage and/or
serious personal injury.
7. Keep people and pets clear during operation of the lift.
8. Keep fingers and clothing clear of all moving parts.
9. Check the lift periodically for frayed cables and/or binding pulleys.
10. Do not attempt to make any adjustments on the lift while it is being operated.
11. Contact your dealer if the winch mechanism fails to perform as described in the Operation chapter of this manual.
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12. Never tamper with the winch mechanism. This can cause equipment damage.
13. Do not operate the lift under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
14. Never use the lift to hang or store any auxiliary equipment such as boating hardware.
1.6.2 Safety When Raising the Boat
1. The handwheel or power drive must turn clockwise when raising the platform. The brake pawl must click, indicating
that the brake is operative.
2. Do not try to raise the boat beyond the maximum lifting height of the platform.
WARNING:
IF YOU HAVE TO TURN THE HANDWHEEL COUNTERCLOCKWISE TO RAISE THE
PLATFORM, YOU HAVE REEVED THE WINCH INCORRECTLY. YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY
ENCOUNTER STRONG RESISTANCE WHICH CAN LEAD TO WINCH DAMAGE AND/OR
CABLE BREAKAGE.
1.6.3 Safety When Lowering the Boat
1. The handwheel or power drive must turn counter-clockwise when lowering the platform.
WARNING:
IF YOU HAVE TO LOWER THE PLATFORM BY TURNING THE HANDWHEEL CLOCKWISE,
YOU HAVE REEVED THE WINCH INCORRECTLY. THE BRAKE PAWL WILL NOT BE
EFFECTIVE WHICH CAN CAUSE AN UNCONTROLLED SPIN-DOWN OR “FREEWHEEL” OF
THE HANDWHEEL. IF FREEWHEELING OCCURS, NEVER TRY TO STOP IT.
2. Counter-clockwise rotation of the handwheel 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 HANDWHEEL.
3. Do not continue lowering the platform after the boat floats freely. Excessive slack in winch cable may cause binding.
1.7 MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE SAFETY
1. At least once a year, the lift must be thoroughly inspected as described in the Maintenance chapter of this manual.
2. Completely lower the platform before performing any type of maintenance or repair.
WARNING:
NEVER ALLOW ANYBODY TO WORK IN OR ON THE BOAT WHEN IT IS SUSPENDED
ABOVE THE WATER ON THE LIFT.
3. Immediately replace any components found to be defective as described in Chapter 5—Inspection and Maintenance.
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2 SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 TECHNICAL DATA
MODEL VL40108 VL40116
Weight Capacity 4000 lbs. 4000 lbs.
Maximum Beam 108” 116”
Lifting Height 66” 66”
Std. Adjustable Legs 4 at 24” 4 at 24”
Overall Width (Including Feet) 116” 124”
Overall Length (Including Feet) 116” 116”
12’ Full Length Bunks Std. Std.
S.S. Aircraft Cable Std. Std.
Vinyl Sheaves Std. Std.
4’ Handwheel & Winch Std. Std.
S.S. Hardware Std. Std.
Friction Drive AC 110V Opt. Opt.
Friction Drive DC 12V Opt. Opt.
Direct Drive AC 110V Opt. Opt.
Shipping Weight 435 lbs. 450 lbs.
2.2 NAMEPLATE AND SERIAL NUMBER TAG
It is important to identify your lift completely and accurately whenever ordering spare parts or requesting assistance in
service. The lift has a product nameplate located at the top of vertical leg “D”. The label shows the model and serial
numbers and capacity rating. The lift label should appear as the sample nameplate shown in Figure 2-1. Record the model
and serial numbers, and capacity rating for future reference.
BOAT LIFT
CAP. lbs.
MODEL
SERIAL NO.
Figure 2-1.
Typical Product Nameplate
MODEL
SERIAL NUMBER __________________________
CAPACITY RATING 4000 LBS.
2.3 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
The following options are available which enable you to customize your lift for your particular operation. Installation
instructions are provided as part of each option kit.
1. Acrylic Canopy— Boats tucked neatly under the heavy duty canopy are protected from the elements, reducing the
need for boat coverings. Various canopy sizes and colors are available.
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2. Direct Drive AC 110V—For added ease of operation, a heavy duty AC motorized direct drive mounts in place of the
standard handwheel and lifts your boat out of the water. Exclusive right angle design minimizes intrusion of dock
space. A radio control option is available.
3. Friction Drive—Motorized drive turns standard handwheel to raise and lower boat.
4. Full Length Pivoting Bunks—Full length cushioned bunks cradle and center the boat for secure lifting. Provided as
standard equipment.
5. Full Length Guide-On—Cushioned guide-ons make entering the lift easy in various water conditions.
6. Motor Stop—Assists in positioning boat on the lift for balanced lifting.
7. VL Transport Kit—Makes installation and removal of boat lift easier. You can purchase the complete kit or desired
components.
8. Pontoon Deck Brackets—These brackets are designed to lift pontoon boats from under the deck. The vertical leg
bumper kit is included which supplies carpeted side bumpers. Wood for bunks is not supplied.
9. Pontoon Cradles—Cradle brackets designed for lifting pontoon boats from under the pontoons. The vertical leg
bumper kit is included which supplies carpeted side bumpers. Wood for bunks is not supplied.
10. Deep Water Extension Legs—Adjustable legs available in pairs with bracing. Standard lengths are 4’, 6’, 8’, and
10’.
11. VL Upper / Lower Bumper Kit—This cushioned wood kit mounts onto your lift in key locations to protect your boat
while entering and exiting the lift in various water conditions. This is both a “stand alone” kit and a kit automatically
supplied with the pontoon deck brackets and pontoon cradles.
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3 INSTALLATION AND SETUP
3.1 PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS
1. Do not assemble the lift if any part shows any sign of damage.
2. Do not weld or otherwise modify the lift. Such alterations may weaken the structural integrity of the lift and void the
warranty.
3. All lifting accessories such as pontoon brackets, pivoting bunks, guide-ons, and slings shall be commercially
manufactured, have a rated load capacity equal to that of the lift, and be properly maintained and installed. Consult the
manufacturer’s separate instructions provided for these accessories.
WARNING:
ALL ELECTRIC DRIVES MUST BE INSTALLED AND INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED
ELECTRICIAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES. THIS
INSTALLATION MUST INCLUDE A PROPERLY WORKING GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER. (G.F.C.I.)
3.2 PRIOR TO SETUP
The part reference numbers and letters used in the subassembly drawings of sections 3.3 through 3.9 are the same as those
shown in Figure 3-1 and listed in the parts lists of Chapter 7.
Figure 3-1
Vertical Lift Frame & Platform Assembly
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