FAQs

The safe working load lifting capacity of the Ronin is 400 lbs. Mechanical advantage can be used to lift loads above 400 lbs. based on your rigging set-up. A 4:1 mechanical advantage can be achieved directly on the Ronin for 1600 lbs. of lifting capacity by attaching to the 5,000 lb rated attachment point on top of the Ronin.

Yes, the Ronin is rated to 600 lbs. in a rescue scenario at reduced speeds. Our letter providing specifics of rescue safe working load is available upon request. Note: If you do a 2:1 rigging for rescue you can go to 800 lbs. and the user doesn’t have to reduce speed and can just use the device as normal.

Ronins are CE-certified for both the Machinery Directive and the EMC Directive. They were originally designed to meet the ANSI Z354.9 rescue hoist and winch standard. We are currently on the ANSI committee tasked with creating a specific standard for powered ascenders.

Yes, the Ronin can be used as a fixed-position winch. We have several accessories that will mount the Ronin Lift to existing equipment, such as trailer hitches, tripods, and monopoles.

We also have color coding options and ID plates that call out the winching ASME standards. It is always best practice to separate personal hoisting from material lifting. Ronin’s affordable pricing makes this separation easier, and many users have two ascenders, each designated for a specific lifting purpose.

Yes, the Ronin can ascend at an angle of up to 30 degrees with no special rigging. Ronins have an end feed system, which traps the rope in the device and allows for complex angled ascending and pitches. Remember that the tension on the tailing line will require a user to power up and down the line. The tailing line can also tag out an individual while ascending to help further avoid overhead obstructions.

Additionally, angle ascents add additional force during ascent, and this angular loading component reduces the safe working load by 400 lbs.

The Ronin Lift and the Ronin Lift Non-HEC units are functionally identical. The only difference is the units’ coloring, which allows users operating in highly regulated environments to distinguish human lifting from material lifting easily.

Yes, a secondary rope grab system is required for use with Ronins. While it is highly recommended that a dedicated secondary line be used independently of your main line for the secondary rope grab system, the Ronin does support SRT climbing by utilizing the top attachment point. The Ronin lift is not classified as fall protection equipment, so to be OSHA compliant, a user must always have a fall protection device in use while climbing.

After use, clean the brake from any rope fiber that may have accumulated. Detach the battery from the main housing and store each piece separately in the hard case provided at purchase. Compressed air is okay for blowing into the inlet and exit holes of the device to remove loose debris. A required annual service must be performed at a certified repair location every year. The yearly service will replace most parts that touch the rope as it travels through the system and are thus worn over time.

Fill out the Return Material Authorization Form with your personal information. After submitting the form through the website, please print a copy and put it in the box to return with your damaged equipment. Please keep the battery and charger if they are functioning correctly. Only the Ronin needs to be returned.

Only approved ropes can be used in the Ronin Lift system. Ronin HP, manufactured by Marlow Ropes, is a dual-sheathed rope designed by Ronin that is preferred for best performance. Be sure to visit www.roninpowerascender.com/the-rope/ for the complete list. Approved ropes are specific to the brand, make and diameter. Specifications must match the approved rope exactly!

The Ronin drives rope through the system using a patented gear mesh technology. This is achieved through the unique tensioning system that mates the rope and driveshaft like a gear mesh. When proper tension is applied, rope wear should be minimal.

Most rope wear comes from the mechanical braking system, and tending the line, like any repelling system, to stop before releasing the brake will drastically reduce rope wear. The brake is an “on/off” system, and when used to stop without tending the line, it will result in increased rope wear and reduced rope life.

Each rope exhibits different wear characteristics based on various factors. Because of this, not all approved ropes will have the same life in the system. However, users can minimize rope wear by selecting rope with a Technora sheath, like Ronin HP rope, specifically designed for the Ronin system.

First, make sure you are using a rope on the approved ropes list located at www.roninpowerascender.com/the-rope/

Before loading your rope, remove any tags or markers on the outside sheath. Depending on the type of sheath you are using, burn the end of the rope using one of the techniques displayed on the website. 

Training videos are located on the website https://roninpowerascender.com/training-videos/

All Ronins feature an end-fed system that wraps the rope around the drive shaft 2.75 times and is completely trapped in the unit, preventing any chance of detachment. There are 3 independent safety features on the Ronin preventing freefall and one additional fall protection. Ronin is not classified as fall protection and should always have a secondary backup system attached when climbing. First, Ronin has a fully mechanical brake for stopping and holding the load, independent of the drive line. Secondly, the system back drives the gearbox/motor combination to control the descent speed, like an automatic fixed-speed descender, on descent around 1.8 ft./sec. Third is the tensioning system, which can control descent through friction as the rope slides over it; increasing the tension will increase the friction and reduce the descent speed.

Please refer to the Ronin instruction manual for the full details of environmental conditions. Ronin functions in the temperature range of -5 – 120 degrees F; keep in mind that in low temperatures, the battery will not hold much charge, and it is advised to keep it in a warm place (i.e., inside your vehicle) until use and then brought it out into the cold environment for use. The Ronin is rated IP 54, which is water resistant but not waterproof. Rain, snow, and humid environments are okay for the unit; do not submerge or pressure wash the Ronin Lift.

An empty battery will take ~ 2 to 2.5 hours to charge. After a full charge, the battery should be removed from the charger. Leaving a battery on the charger for extended periods can adversely affect its life.

Like a cellphone battery, the battery can be charged for 300 cycles before the maximum charging capacity begins to deplete.

No, you do not need battery power to descend. The Ronin can descend on gravity alone. However, always make sure to keep the battery connected when descending so the energy generated through the back-driving of the gearbox and motor has a place to go.

Battery life is a function of weight and is measured in the number of feet traveled. At the max lifting capacity of 400 lbs., you can ascend 350 ft. The weight-distance ratio is linear, so at 200 lbs., you can ascend 700ft.

The standard descent mode uses gravity to travel 1400 ft of rope through the device with a 200 lbs. load and a fully charged battery.

The battery should be stored disconnected from the Ronin at room temperature with a minimum of 80% charge.

The battery should be fully recharged every six months if it is in extended storage. Lithium-ion batteries can be prematurely damaged if they are not stored and charged.