Abstract: A hydraulically actuated winch assembly having a dual planetary gear system for driving a common ring gear from a power input shaft. Power from the shaft is divided through the two planetary gear systems for driving the common ring gear which is attached to the load member, such as a winch drum. A brake assembly can be assembled as a unit and then inserted into the winch assembly and is axially fixed in position by a retainer plate that is held on the housing of the winch assembly by means of a snap ring. The brake assembly is axially inserted into the housing and against the snap ring and bolt means then are secured between the retainer plate and brake assembly so as to fix the assembly in position within the housing. The brake assembly; includes an axially extending piston rod forming a part of a hydraulic actuator which actuates the brake assembly and the power input shaft for the planetary gear system is piloted in the end of the piston rod.