After some of my comments and reporting of my re-setup of a R25 foldover,
Jeff, W7ID, sent me the following:
At 11:15 AM 10/6/98 -0600, you wrote:
>Bill,
>I also have a Rohn 25G fold over tower that I want to refurbish and erect
next spring. I would appreciate the information that you have found on the
winch and cable ratings etc.
>Thanks for the help. 73, Jeff Bishop, W7ID
>>
Because there may be others that would like the data, I give you a little
history of my info gathering, and results/
first- the current Rohn catalog calls for a 2500 lb winch, of the "brake"
type (ie, you crank it both up and down, using an automatic brake
mechanism). their Ham catalog shows this one for the R25 and the r45 at
lengths from 48' to 64'. They also show another pair of winches, listed as
"heavy duty" with ratings of 2000lb and 4000lb. the drawings call for from
35' to 45 ft of 1/4 " aircraft cable for the winch.
The Winch on my old tower (probably about 1978?) was rusted badly on the
inside of the mechanism cover. I started to try to find the manufactorer,
since Rohn wants about $250 for a replacement. At first, I could not find
a makers mark on the old winch (but, see below). I did a lot of looking,
and through an Internet search, came up with The Fulton Co. I called to ask
for a catalog, which was sent promptly. They do have an interesting line
of trailer hardware. In the meantime, a new Northern Hydraulics Catalog
came, and I spotted (and ordered) a 2000 lb two-speed trailer winch from
them. The cost was $50, plus UPS. In hindsight, I wish I had waited, but I
was wanting it soon. (this wish is NOT because I think their product is not
very good)
This was followed by two things- one- I found the makers name under a plate
on the old winch- and the catalog from Fulton showed a brake mechanism
available for the winch I had ordered. I ordered the brake,( less than $10)
. Another surprise- the rating on the winch (in the model no) was only 1200
lb, not the 2500 now spec'd.
The manufacturer of the old brake winch was Dutton-Lainson Co., in
Hastings, Neb. They have an impressive line of Marine goodies. I talked
with a very nice lady, who, after hearing the situation, offered to send me
the assembly illustrations and parts lists, so I could get replacement
parts, if I wanted. Now get this- since we were not sure of the dates. she
went into the archives and got the drawings for every design change made
over the period in question- and sent them with a catalog. SERVICE!. This
is the reason I wish I had waited. Their address:
Dutton-Lainson Co.
Hastings, NE, 68902-0729
(402) 462-4141
Further info- Fulton is apparently the main supplier of trailer and related
goodies for Walmart- so, if you want to see the workmanship (the line in
the stores is probably too small for tower work)- check them out. their
address is:
Fulton Performance Products
50 Indianhead Dr
P.O.Box 8
Mosinee, WI,54455-0008
Another piece of data- Both these companies offer motorized winches, also.
Sorry this has been so long, but maybe it will help someone.
Long-winded Bill- W4BSG
Bill Aycock W4BSG
Jackson County, AL
EM64vr
W4BSG is "vanity" this time, but was
earned by exam in 1954, the first time.
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