Hose Reels

Did you know? Kiowa supply a broad range of Industrial Hose Reels into most major UK industries.

We also provide a range of commercial grade Domestic Hose Reel Products via Kiowa’s online store.

As part of our knowledge hub series, our in-house experts have carefully outlined several key factors to consider when sourcing a new reeling system.

We offer several types of Hose Reel at Kiowa, each designed for specific purposes and applications.

• Manual Hose Reels: These are operated manually by turning a handle or crank to wind or unwind the hose
• Automatic Hose Reels: These reels feature a mechanism that automatically winds or unwinds the hose with the push of a button or a simple tug.
• Retractable Hose Reels: These reels use a spring-loaded mechanism to automatically retract the hose back into the reel after use, providing convenient storage and protection.
• Wall-Mounted Hose Reels: These hose reels are designed to be mounted on a wall or a vertical surface, allowing for easy access and efficient use of space.
• Stationary Hose Reels: These reels are fixed in a specific location and are typically used in industrial settings where hoses need to be accessed from a central point.
• Portable Hose Reels: These reels are lightweight and often come with a handle or carrying mechanism, making them easy to transport and use in various locations.
• Mobile Hose Reels: These are wheeled carts designed to hold and transport hose reels, providing mobility and convenience.
• Industrial Hose Reels: These heavy-duty reels are built to withstand demanding industrial environments and are capable of holding and dispensing larger hoses.
• Fire Prevention Hose Reels: These specialized reels are designed for storing and deploying fire hoses, commonly found in commercial buildings and fire stations.
• Air Hose Reels: These reels are specifically designed to handle and store air hoses, commonly used in pneumatic systems and workshops.
• Fuel Hose Reels: Designed to handle the safe storage and dispensing of fuel hoses, these reels are often used in automotive, marine, or industrial applications.

Hose reels have various applications across different industries and settings. Here is an outline of different hose reel applications:

• Agriculture: Irrigation, crop spraying, livestock watering
• Construction: Concrete pouring, power washing, pneumatic tools
• Landscaping: Lawn care, tree and shrub watering, pesticide application
• Maintenance and Cleaning: Industrial equipment cleaning, janitorial tasks
• Automotive: Garage and workshop applications, including oil changes and tire inflation
• Industrial Applications:

• Conveying fluids, chemicals, or materials in production lines.
• Oil and Gas: Transferring petroleum products, lubricants, and fuel.
• Chemical Processing: Handling corrosive substances and chemicals.
• Food and Beverage: Transferring liquids, such as water, juice, or ingredients.
• Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: Handling sterile fluids, chemicals, and cleaning agents.

• Firefighting: Supplying water to fire hoses for extinguishing fires.
• Fire Prevention Systems: Sprinkler systems and emergency fire suppression units.

• Dockside Operations: Transferring water, fuel, or other fluids to ships and vessels.
• Offshore Applications: Supplying water, chemicals, or fuel to offshore platforms.
• Marine Maintenance: Washing boats, yachts, or fishing equipment.

Medical and Healthcare

• Hospitals and Clinics: Medical gas supply, oxygen delivery, fluid transfer.
• Laboratories: Chemical handling, fluid dispensing, equipment cleaning.

Emergency Services

• Emergency Response: Deploying hose pipe for firefighting, disaster relief, or hazmat clean-up.
• Hazmat Handling: Transferring hazardous materials safely.
  • It’s important to note that while hose reels are versatile and adaptable, proper selection and configuration should be based on specific requirements and compatibility with the fluids, pressures, and temperatures involved in each application. The team at Kiowa can help determine your specific requirements.

Hose Reel Materials

Our reels are available in various materials, each offering different strengths, durability, and suitability for specific applications. Here are some common options Kiowa can supply:

Steel

Steel is a popular choice amongst our clients for heavy-duty and industrial applications, providing excellent strength, durability, and resistance to impact and abrasion. Steel hose reels are capable of handling high-pressure applications and can be powder-coated or galvanized for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance and is commonly used in environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or harsh conditions is a concern. Stainless steel hose reels are commonly used in food processing, pharmaceutical, and marine applications, where hygiene and cleanliness is crucial.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight material that offers good corrosion resistance and is often used in applications where weight is a factor, such as portable hose reels or those mounted on vehicles. Aluminium reels are also commonly used in marine environments due to their resistance to saltwater corrosion.

Composite Materials

We can also support with fiberglass or plastic composite reels. These materials offer a combination of durability, corrosion resistance, and lightweight design. Composite reels are often used in applications where weight reduction is desired, such as in recreational vehicles or portable setups.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer known for its chemical resistance and affordability. Polypropylene reels are commonly used for applications involving non-aggressive chemicals, water, or light-duty industrial use.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a widely used plastic material due to its low cost, light weight, and resistance to corrosion and chemicals. PVC hose reels are commonly used for residential and light-duty applications, such as gardening or watering.

Hose Pipe Component

Kiowa offers a range of hose options for reels with good resistance to temperature variations, and suitable for a wide range of applications, including water, air, oil, and chemicals.

It’s important to consider the specific requirements of your application when selecting the right hose reel material. Further, factors such as the type of fluid being transferred, environmental conditions, and expected durability will help determine the most suitable material for your needs. For a comprehensive technical assessment, we always recommend, in the first instance, discussing your requirements with one of Kiowa’s hose reel consultants.

Hose Reel Sizes and Capacities

In the UK, Hose Reel sizes and capacities can vary depending on the specific application and industry; Kiowa can supply a range of typical sizes and capacities.

Small Size

Hose Diameter: 1/2 inch (12.5 mm)

Hose Length: 20-30 meters

Medium Size

Hose Diameter: 3/4 inch (19 mm)

Hose Length: 30-50 meters

Large Size

Hose Diameter: 1 inch (25 mm) or larger

Hose Length: 50-100 meters or more

It’s important to note that the sizes and capacities stated above are used as a general guideline and can vary by manufacturer, model, and intended use. Additionally, industrial, & commercial applications generally require larger drum sizes and hose capacities to accommodate enhanced delivery requirements.

When selecting reel size and capacity, we will look to consider factors such as the length of hose required for your application, the volume of fluid or material to be dispensed, and the available space for installation, to determine the most suitable size and capacity for your specific needs.

Hose Reel Maintenance and Installation

Proper maintenance and installation of hose reels is essential for their optimal performance, longevity, and safety. For best practice maintenance and installation, we would recommend the following:

Installation

Location: Select a suitable location that provides easy access and proper clearance for operation. Ensure that the installation area is sturdy and capable of supporting the weight and stress of the hose reel and the hose itself.

Mounting: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for mounting securely to a wall, floor, or other suitable surfaces. Use appropriate hardware and ensure that the mounting structure can handle the weight and tension of the hose reel.

Positioning: Position the reel pay-out to minimize kinks, twists, and sharp bends in the hose during operation. The hose should be able to unwind and rewind smoothly without obstruction.

Alignment: Ensure that the reel is aligned properly with its fluid source to prevent strain on connections. This helps convey a steady flow of fluid and will prevent leaks and damage to the hose.

Hose Reel Maintenance

Regular Inspection: Conduct routine visual inspections of the reel, checking for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Look for leaks, loose fittings, or any other issues that may affect performance and/or safety of the reel.

Cleaning: Keep the reel and hose clean and free from dirt, debris, or any substances that may cause clogging or damage. Regularly wipe down the exterior of the hose reel and remove any accumulated dirt or grime. For linear steaming consult with the manufacturer’s guidelines or your Kiowa consultant.

Lubrication: Lubricate all moving parts of the Hose Reel mechanism as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust or corrosion. Many of the reels Kiowa supplies require very limited maintenance; any annual servicing requirements can be managed with a Kiowa reel servicing plan.

Hose Inspection: Regularly inspect the hose for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. We strongly recommend replacing damaged or worn-out hose or hoses promptly to avoid any accidents or disruptions.

Correct Winding: When retracting the hose, ensure that it is wound evenly and smoothly onto the reel. Avoid overloading or tangling the hose, as this can lead to kinks and reduce its lifespan.

By following these best practices for hose reel maintenance and installation, you can ensure optimal functionality, extend the lifespan of your hose reel, and ensure you maintain a safe working environment.

Kiowa Hose Reels

The team are on hand 6 days a week to support you and your business with any questions: please don’t hesitate to reach out directly.