Spray applicators require hose reels regardless of their industry. Hose reels make things easier and more efficient by allowing fluid to flow through the hose without first removing the entire reel. They also organize and keep the hose out of the way. They are available in electric, spring rewind, and manual versions. But, before you buy the simplest or least expensive model, consider what distinguishes each type of hose reel and what it can do for you.
How It Works:
Different types of hoses can be used on a hose reel because of two parts:
The space between the discs
How wide the discs are
A hose reel has two discs that hold the hose in place. More hose can fit on the reel if the discs are bigger and there is more space between them. Small reels may only have 7.5 inches of space between the discs, while bigger ones may have two feet or more. That’s the number of inches in diameter that tells you if the reel can handle big or small hoses. The specs for each model tell you what “ID” hoses it can handle.
Understand Hose Reel
A device called a hose reel allows you to conveniently store and use a hose on a barrel. It’s a system that makes wire, flexible tubing, hoses, and cords easily accessible and ready for use right away.Depending on their intended purpose, hose reels come in a range of designs, with some models being specifically made to hold a large assortment of materials that resemble cords.Hose reel cylinders can be composed of fibreglass, plastic, or metal. The most popular kind self-retracts and is spring-driven. Other types are motor-driven and hand crank. The hose reel’s diameter and the length of the hose it contains.
Applications of Hose Reel
The hose pipe is stored in hose reel drums, which are cylindrical spindles composed of plastic, fibreglass, or metal. Hose reel drums come in different sizes, depending on whether they are installed in a building, industry, or agriculture. A hosepipe is a kind of flexible tube used for transporting water. Every building needs both a hose pipe and a hose reel drum. Early firefighting is best accomplished with a fire hose reel, which is intended to be used as a quick response tool. Usually, it is the first thing that the public or anyone inside the building attacks. For class A fires (those involving paper, textiles, wood, plastics, and rubber), hose reels are perfect. In the event of an electrical fire, it should not be used.
Hose Reel Drum Usage
Hose pipes are stored in hose reel drums. It can be wall-mounted, meaning it is permanently fixed on the wall or portable and mounted on a truck. They offer a practically endless water supply 365 days a year since they are linked to the main water supply. Numerous locations use hosepipes or hoses. Among their uses are
Agriculture uses a sturdy hose to irrigate crops.
Underwater divers use air hoses to transfer air from air tanks or a surface compressor.
Water is circulated throughout a building using hoses made of plastic or metal.
Automotive hoses are used in cars to transfer fluids for cooling, lubrication, and hydraulic purposes.
In the oil industry, hose pipes transfer liquids under intense pressure. Aside from these uses, the main purpose of hose reel drums and hose pipes is to put out fires in factories, buildings, and other locations. Since they are the first line of defense against fire, they are required in all indoor buildings.
How Do Hose Reels Work?
Hose reels are a practical and well-organized solution for a variety of uses, including industrial operations, firefighting, agriculture, and more. They are made to store and dispense hoses efficiently. These reels are crucial equipment for handling hoses, as they guarantee easy access and storage while also avoiding kinks, tangles, and damage.Hose reels operate on a simple fundamental principle. They are composed of an aluminum, steel, or plastic structure that is cylindrical or drum-shaped. The hose is wound around a central spindle or drum inside this housing. The handle or crank mechanism on the reel usually enables users to wind and unwind the hose manually or automatically.All you have to do to operate a hose reel is turn the handle (or, for motorized reels, engage the motor), which rotates the drum. The hose is wound neatly and consistently around itself as the drum revolves. By avoiding kinks and abrasions, the coiling action not only keeps the hose neatly stored but also preserves its integrity. The hose unwinds smoothly and tangle-free when you pull it out of the reel when you need to use it.Hose reels are available in a range of styles and dimensions to suit diverse hose kinds and lengths, from lightweight hoses to robust industrial hoses. A few hose reels are fixed to walls, while others are movable or affixed to cars, such as fire engines. For added convenience, customized hose reels may also have features like tension control that can be adjusted or automatic retracting mechanisms. Hose reels are crucial equipment that enhances the longevity and performance of hoses in a variety of applications by streamlining, organizing, and simplifying the handling of hoses.
Types of Hose Reels
The way a hose reel is intended to be used determines its design. Because home maintenance is generally less demanding, hose reels are lightweight. Industrial ones have distinct designs and features and are heavier, more resilient, and longer-lasting.The various techniques for retracting hoses distinguish the various kinds of hose reels. There are several ways to rewind, including electric, hydraulic, spring, and pneumatic, though the most popular technique is manual. The hose’s weight, pressure, the fluid it dispenses, and how quickly it needs to be rewound all affect the type of retraction.
1. Cable Hose Reel
Reels for cable hoses are a useful tool for organizing workspaces and offering suitable cable storage. Despite their great durability, they make cables, ropes, and wires easily accessible. To retract cords or cables, cable hose reels can be powered by a spring, motor, or hand crank.
2. Power Cord Hose Reel
Power cords hose reel can be kept in storage for ease of access and safety using power cord hose reels. They are available in a range of thicknesses and lengths, with cord lengths ranging from 30 to 250 feet (9 to 76.2 m) and retraction mechanisms including hand cranks, electric, and springs.Some power cord reels do not need to be used to the full length of the cord; instead, they stay connected to an electrical outlet while in use. They are flat for convenient storage and can be detached. There are 50 amp and 30 amp power cords included with power cord hose reels.
3. Static Discharge Hose Reel
Static discharge reels are used in potentially hazardous situations such as fueling or grounding. They are employed in hazmat situations, rescue operations, chemical plants, grain elevators, and aircraft refuelling. Hose reels designed to discharge static electricity must function smoothly without requiring cable pulls. Preventing random electrical charges that might ignite fuel or other combustible chemicals is the primary function of a static discharge hose reel.
4. High-Pressure Hose Reel
A safe way to store high-pressure hoses are with high-pressure hose reels. They have to adhere to certain application requirements and are made to withstand the pressure in the hose. The pressure in the hose line could drop if pressurized hoses kinked, tangled, or were damaged. High-pressure hose reels keep this from happening.High-pressure hose reels increase a hose’s useful life and enhance its functionality. They facilitate work when operating heavy machinery. A high-pressure hose reel should be selected based on the hose’s dimensions, length, kind, retraction mechanism, and mounting location. They must be positioned where there is greater room and space because this facilitates quicker and easier retrieval and serves as a shield to protect the hose.
5. Air Hose Reel
An air compressor is connected to the hose on an air hose reel, which is wound around the reel. They are typically hung from the ceiling in tire and auto repair shops to prevent additional wear on the hose. Storage and continuous-flow air hose reels are the two varieties available. While continuous flow reels enable the use of the hose when it is wound, storage reels store the house when it is not in use.
6. Audio Cables Hose Reel
Long audio cable lengths of more than 1800 feet (548.6 m) can be stored on audio cable reels. and facilitate the simple transportation of cable to multiple sites. They are composed of various materials, such as plastic and heavy-duty steel, but steel is the most durable due to its capacity to withstand repeated movement. Audio cable hose reels are made to handle 10, 12, and 14 gauge wire and are also intended to hold video and fiber optic cable.
7. Chemical Hose Reel
The safe transfer of chemicals is the purpose of a chemical hose reel. They have a non-corrosive stainless steel hose reel path and are designed to withstand the effects of hazardous and corrosive materials.
8. Beverage Hose Reel
Reels of beverage hose are used in the production, transfer, washing, and steam cleaning of food. They are made to be vibration-resistant to ensure continuous performance and to meet the standards of a food processing plant, particularly in the beverage industry.
9. Fuel Hose Reel
Safety is the primary issue with fuel transfers. Fuel hose reels, like the one in the picture below, shield and keep the hose out of the way. They have manual or motor-driven rewinds and are constructed of durable materials meant to resist harsh environments.
10. Hydraulic Tools Hose Reel
Applications where the distance from the hydraulic feed varies call for the use of hydraulic hose reels. When the hydraulic hose unwinds and gets covered in a protective layer, the reels maintain the tension on the line. They are capable of handling rubber and thermoplastic hoses alike. The hose locks in place to prevent unintentional rewinding once it reaches the desired position.
11. Emergency Hose Reel
Since they require hose reels for rescue tools, electric cords, breathing hoses, flood conditions, and water hoses, there is a large selection of hose reels for use in fire and rescue operations. They are made to survive any kind of combustible material-related Class A fire. Hose length and load are supported by larger, more robust fire and rescue hose reels. For instant access to chemicals or water, they feature a ball valve mounted on a mounting bracket.In flood-related emergencies, lay flat hoses are utilized. They can be far longer than hard hoses and deploy quickly, making them the perfect tool for flood situations. In an emergency, lay flat hoses can be linked to pumps and valves to remove water.
12. Teach Pendant Hose Reels
There are several names for teach pendant hose reels, including roboreel and smart pendant reel. Teach pendant hose reels are meant to keep robotic cables off the ground, neat, and organized. Their use contributes to the teach cable’s longer shelf life and provides worker protection. The control panel and the teach pendant box are connected by teach cables, which range in length from 33 to 98 feet (ten to thirty meters).Programming the robot is possible from the point of best visibility thanks to the teach pendant control. After programming is finished, the pendant control and cable are both hung in the same location, coiled and fastened to a bracket near the control box. Not only is leaving the cable on the ground dangerous, but it can also cause other issues.The cable is susceptible to damage from forklifts, passing vehicles, and dropped objects in the absence of a teach pendant hose reel. Given that teach pendant cables can cost upwards of $1000, protection is imperative. Using a teach pendant hose reel can save a cable, which more than covers the hose reel’s cost.
Hose reels are used in every industry that uses cords, wires, cables, or hoses. They are a great way to store, retrieve, and arrange hose-like materials. Despite being most frequently used in liquid dispensing, they are also employed in numerous industrial applications, cleaning systems, and fire prevention.
1. Military Applications of Hose Reels
There are numerous applications for military hose reels, and they come in various varieties. In addition to many other uses, they are employed in the delivery of fuel, cable storage, and water for fighting fires. Military hose reels need to be strong and resilient enough to handle the strain and hard use that they get. After meeting the stringent requirements needed for military use, those that have earned the approval of the US government are granted a National Stock Number (NSN).
2. Uses of Drain Cleaning
Drain systems can be cleaned with high pressure using sewer jetters. They aim to clear blockages and clogs in drains by shooting a stream of water down them. Jetters are installed on a hose reel that swings out to provide simple access to the jetter hose, as seen in the picture below.
3. Firefighting Uses
Reels for fire hoses are made specifically to withstand water pressures up to several thousand pounds per square inch. Firefighting hose reels must be constructed to be nearly indestructible in many aspects, including resistance to rust and corrosion, a sturdy coated steel frame, and the capacity to support hoses up to hundreds of feet in length.
4. Robotics Uses
Pendant cables are made to manage robotic equipment that works in the harshest environments, including those with flames, chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Many types of pendant cables are used in industrial settings to control robotic functions. Automated cable rewinders help arrange cables to prevent mishaps and dangers.
5. Uses of Offshore Oil Rigs
Hose reels for offshore oil rigs are composed of extremely durable steel or stainless steel and are specially coated to prevent corrosion. They are made for a variety of uses, such as fluid transfer at both high and low pressures. Depending on the application, fuel transfer can range from 20 bar (100 kilopascals) to 100 kilopascals to 1000 bar. Hose reels for offshore oil rigs can have extremely large diameters.
6. Aviation Uses
For aircraft ground support, cords, hoses, and cable reels are essential to aviation. Aviation hose reels need to be constructed from materials that can withstand any kind of weather because they are intended to withstand extremely harsh conditions. Aviation equipment is subjected to constant stress and repetitive use. Hose reels are designed to withstand heavy use in aerospace research, hanger maintenance, and high- or low-pressure oil, air, or water transfer.
7. Uses in Exhaust Removal
Hoses intended to remove hazardous fumes from auto repair and testing facilities are stored in exhaust removal hose reels. Hoses for exhaust removal can be conveniently stored with the help of hose reels. Employees can easily pull the hose and securely clamp it in place with the help of exhaust removal hose reels.
8. Hydroseeding Uses
Reels for hydroseeding hoses are mounted on trucks to meet the requirements of the seeding application. Hoses are made to dispense additives, seed, fertilizer, and polymers that hold water under pressure. Owing to the frequent use of hydroseed equipment, hose reels for hydroseeding are constructed from sturdy materials and can accommodate a variety of OD hose sizes.
9. Uses for Welding Gas
Twin-line welding hoses are stored on reels of welding hose with different lengths. A welding hose reel is used for safety, to keep welding shops free of hazards, and to prevent people from tripping over gas-containing hoses. Spring-loaded hoses that are discharged to the work site make rewinding them simple.
10. Uses for Storage
Storage hose reels wind up hoses, but while the hose is wound, they cannot be used. When not in use, they are intended to keep wires, hoses, and cables out of the way. The wiring or hose must be disconnected from the hose reel and connected in order to be used. The kind of hose that needs to be stored determines how sturdy a storage hose reel is. In comparison to hoses with a small OD, like thin wires for electrical systems, cables or hoses with a high OD might need a stronger hose reel.
Hose Reel Retraction Methods
The three most popular methods for retracting a hose reel are hand crank, spring-driven, and motor-driven. One of the most significant distinctions between hose reel types—which are further separated into storage and live connection categories—is the hose retraction mechanism. When not in use, a hose is kept on a reel by storage hose reels. Reels with live connections enable the hose to be used while it is wound around the reel.
1. Manual Crank
Hose retraction can be done as simply as hand cranking. As the crank rotates, the hoses are pulled to unwound them from the reel. After use, the hose is retracted by recoiling it by turning the crank in the opposite direction.
Hand-cranked hose reel advantages include:
Basic style
Minimal upkeep
Keep longer hoses in place.
Able to be positioned anywhere
Not requiring a power supply
Driven by Spring
A spring mechanism in spring-driven hose reels causes the hose to retract on its own.
The tension on the spring increases and is stored as the hose unwinds. The hose retracts to the reel once the task is completed and the tension is released.
Advantages of Retraction Driven by Spring:
Absence of manual labour
Basic mechanism
Minimal upkeep
Doesn’t need a power supply
Able to be positioned anywhere
Driven by Motor
Retraction of hose reels powered by motors involves a motor fastened to the reel. Hose reel retraction using motors comes in a range of types. The motors are energy-efficient and rewind a hose with ease.Motor-driven hose reels pull the hose back using the mechanical energy produced by the motor. There are several types of motors, including electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
Advantages of Retraction Driven by Motor:
No physical exertion is necessary.
Useful from extreme lengths with any hose length
A range of motors is accessible.
Secure in any setting
Motor Types
DC or AC Electrical
One way to dispense with the hose on an electric motor retraction system is to pull it out. When not in use, it is simple to retract by turning on the hose reel’s motor. The hose retracts smoothly and swiftly.
2. Pneumatic:
Also known as air motors, pneumatic motors run on compressed air and are utilized on hose reels in situations where sparking or electrical shock risks exist.
3. Hydraulic:
Hose retraction powered by a hydraulic system is intended for extreme and dangerous environments. They are frequently employed in mining operations as a safety precaution. Hose retraction powered by hydraulics is thought to have exceptional strength and endurance.
4. Hose Reel Mounting
A hose reel can be installed in five different ways: freestanding, wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, post-mounted, and mobile-mounted.
5. Freestanding
Hose reels mounted in the ceiling make more room for furniture and the floor. This kind of mounting makes it simple to access the hose and is frequently found in auto and welding shops.
6. Wall Mounted:
Wall mounting frees up floor space and requires less space than ceiling mounting. Wall-mounted hose reels are frequently hinged with a locking pin, allowing the hose to be angled to suit the application.
7. Post Mounted:
Post mounted hose reels and wall mounted hose reels are comparable. In order to be closer to the application, they are mounted on posts. They may be hinged or immovable, depending on how they are made.Hose reels that are free standing are situated permanently in close proximity to their intended use. They are constructed of durable steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, and they could be coated to prevent corrosion and rust, just like any other industrial equipment. Their A-frame design allows them to be mounted on a wall, truck, or trailer.
8. Mobile Mounted:
There is a large selection of mobile hose reels that can be mounted on a truck, trailer, cart, or ship. At the airport, mobile hose reels are visible when aircraft are refueled or when firefighters are using apparatus. A hose reel that is mobile can be used in multiple locations while maintaining its ease of retractability.
Benefits of Using a Hose Reel
There are many advantages to using a hose reel, particularly in terms of efficiently managing and storing hoses. The following are some of the main benefits:
1. Hose Protection
Hose reels shield hoses against kinking, twisting, and exposure to inclement weather. By doing this, you can avoid having to buy new hoses as often and save money.
2. Security
A hose reel keeps the hose neatly coiled and off the ground, reducing the risk of tripping accidents. This lowers the possibility of mishaps and injuries in the yard or workplace.
3. Effective Hose Handling
With the aid of hose reels, extending or retracting the hose to the required length is simple. Because you don’t have to manually coil and uncoil the hose, this saves time and effort.
4. Tangle-Free Archiving
It is less likely for hoses kept on reels to get knotted or tangled. This saves time during cleanup and removes frustration when using the hose.
5. Space Utilization
Hose reels can be mounted on walls or posts, or they can be carried about in certain situations. This makes useful floor space in workshops, and garages available.
6. Better Maintenance
Hoses that are stored on a reel stay cleaner and are shielded from UV light and other elements that can eventually deteriorate the hose’s material.
7. Enhanced Watering Effectiveness
Watering plants and agriculture effectively is ensured by using a hose reel, which makes it simple to direct the hose to desired locations. Water waste is decreased as a result.
8. Clear Look
Hose reels enhance the appearance of your outdoor space or work area by keeping hoses neatly arranged and hidden when not in use.
9. Increase Hose Life
The lifespan of a hose can be increased by properly coiling and storing it on a reel to keep it from kinking and leaking.
10. Quick Implementation
Fast hose deployment and retrieval is made possible by hose reels with a crank or spring-loaded mechanism, which increases the effectiveness of chores like cleaning and watering.
11. Flexibility
Hose reels come in different varieties that are intended for specific uses, like agriculture, air, and fire hoses. You can select a reel based on what you require.
12. Mobility
Certain hose reels are made to be portable, which is very helpful for contractors or other individuals who have to move hoses between different locations or job sites.
Things to Think About When Selecting the Best Hose Reel
The best hose reel for watering your lawn depends on a number of factors. The dimensions of the yard and the hose’s diameter and length are a few of these variables. Consider your ability to manually turn on the hose as well as any other features you might require.
1. Capacity of Hoses
The length of the hose you plan to use is the most important consideration when purchasing a hose reel. To find the perfect size, measure the distance between the water source and the areas that will be irrigated. A 150-foot capacity reel may overflow the excess hose, the reel may not wind correctly, or both may occur.If you’re buying new, make sure the reel capacity and hose length match exactly by measuring the existing hose or by checking the packaging details on both.
2. Head Hose
A head hose is typically included with agriculture hose reels to connect the reel to the fixture. Whether you’re buying a new hose or joining an old one, make sure the diameters match on the packaging information or else you won’t be able to thread them together. For example, a 3/4-inch leader hose will not fit a 5/8-inch hose.The leader hose’s length depends on where it will be kept and how close it is to the water source. The leader hose will be adequate if the hose reel comes with a 6-foot leader and is installed 4 feet away from the fixture.
3. Comparing Automatic and Manual
To wind your hose, how much work are you going to put in? Turn the crank by hand to incorporate the hose onto a manual hose reel. In automatic models, the hose is automatically wound when a button on the side of the reel is pressed. The batteries that power them are usually lithium-ion ones.Longer hoses can be difficult for automatic reels to wind; they might not be able to wind the whole length. Although automatic hose reels are more cost-effective than their manual counterparts, they offer greater convenience.
4. Portable vs. Static
Hose reels can be mounted on wheels or stakes for portability, or they can be fixed to a permanent spot, like the side of your house. To decide what will work best for you, take into account the size of your landscape. Is it a sizable space, or is it just a small area with some bushes and grass growing close to the foundation?A metal hose reel cart’s mobility can be useful if your yard is big. Hose reel carts make the task of moving heavy, awkward-to-manage hoses easier. For a medium-sized yard, an agriculture hose stand that is mobile might be perfect.As an alternative, a wall-mounted device like a hose hanger or a stationary storage box should work well in smaller backyards where the hose can easily reach everything that needs water.
5. Supplies for Hose Reels
Plastic hose reels are a great option for portability and household use because they are lighter than other metals. They do not, however, last as long as a metal reel. For those who prefer a variety of colors, plastic hose reels come in a range of hues.Aluminum reels are heavier than fiberglass and plastic reels, but they weigh less than steel reels. If you’re searching for a metal that won’t rust, aluminum is a good option. In addition, aluminum reels have a longer hose capacity than plastic reels. In any weather, they are a great option for heavy-duty tasks.Although steel reels are more affordable than aluminum ones, they require more effort to move. In addition to being more rust-resistant than plastic reels, these reels can hold longer hoses. For instance, a Liberty hose reel has a maximum length capacity of 300 feet for hoses.
Summing Up:
Hose reels are becoming indispensable tools in a variety of industries, facilitating efficient hose management and improving safety. Their adaptable designs, retraction mechanisms, and mounting options address specific requirements while ensuring optimal functionality. Hose reels provide practical solutions for everything from firefighting to protecting hoses, reducing tangles, and maximizing space utilization. Hose reels are an essential component in a variety of applications due to the benefits of improved hose handling, longevity, and streamlined operations. Choosing the right reel entails taking into account factors like capacity, compatibility, and materials to ensure a seamless integration that contributes to overall operational efficiency and safety. Contact our experts for more information about Hose reels and its functionality. Read more about: Stainless Steel Hose ReelHeavy Duty Hose Reel
