Retractable Hose Reels

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

In the following knowledge article, we take you through everything there is to consider when it’s come to retractable hose reels, from the benefits of reel retraction technology, selection, and correct installation practices, right through to product maintenance. As the UK’s leading Custom-Built Hose Assembly Solutions & Hose Management Service provider, Kiowa remains committed to offering on-going support and supply to clients with a range of Industrial Hose, Hydraulics, and Hose Reel related quires; reach out to us anytime!

Retractable hose reels have emerged as a popular solution for efficient hose management in various industries and applications. With their unique design and functionality, this style of HoseReel offers a range of benefits that contribute to enhanced convenience, productivity, and safety.

One of the primary advantages of retractable hose reels is their ability to optimize space utilization. By neatly coiling and storing the hose within the reel, these reeling devices eliminate the need for manually winding back loose hose. Retraction technology is particularly valuable in tight space environments or areas with limited storage space, to maintain an organized and clutter-free workspace, promoting better workflow and reducing trip hazards.

Retractable hose reels offer significant convenience by facilitating effortless hose deployment and retraction. The automated mechanism ensures users can quickly deploy and retract the hose with minimal effort, eliminating the tedious task of manual rewinding. This feature is especially beneficial for businesses who frequently need to use hoses at various intervals, throughout the working day. Further, the time-saving aspect enables operators to focus more on their core tasks, improving overall operator productivity, and subsequent business efficiencies.

Correct storage and protection of hoses is essential for maintaining hose longevity. Retractable hose reels shield the hose from harsh weather conditions, UV radiation, and potential physical damage. In preventing unnecessary exposure to hazards, reels will help prolong the lifespan of the hose, and mitigate against the requirement for frequent hose replacement. Additionally, retractable hose reels minimize kinks, twists, and tangles, preventing damage and ensuring reliable hose performance over time.

Retractable hose reels are designed to accommodate various hose types, lengths, and diameters. This versatility allows users to adapt the HoseReel to their specific needs and application requirements. Whether it’s for washdown operations, automotive maintenance, or industrial fluid transfer, retractable hose reels offer flexibility and compatibility across many different sectors, ensuing users can achieve optimal results for their specific application.

Many of Kiowa’s retractable hose reels incorporate additional features to enhance user safety, such as: automatic slow retraction mechanisms, locking systems, and controlled hose release. By minimizing the risk of accidental tripping, entanglement, or hose damage, these safety features protect both the user and the surrounding environment, contributing to a safer workplace by ensuring leading operational safety.

Retractable HoseReel systems offer a range of benefits that can significantly improve hose management across all industries. By prioritizing space efficiency, convenience, protection, versatility, and safety, these reels enhance productivity, reduce maintenance costs, and create a safer working environment. Understanding the advantages of retractable hose reels will ensure your business can make well informed decisions when choosing and implementing hose management solutions. Should you require commercial reeling advice and support Kiowa’s reel consultants are just a phone call away.

Selecting the appropriate retractable hose reel is crucial to ensure efficient hose management and maximize productivity.

Before diving into the selection process, it’s important to assess your specific requirements. Consider the intended application, the length and diameter of the hose needed, and the maximum pressure and flow rate required. Understanding these factors will help narrow down your options, ensuring the reel will serve its desired purpose.

Durability is a crucial aspect when choosing a retractable hose reel. At Kiowa we always recommend reels constructed from high-quality material that can withstand regular use and extreme environmental conditions, such as stainless steel or highly durable plastics. For most industrial hose reel applications, to ensure longevity and reliability, we would always recommend considering features such as enhanced UV resistance, corrosion protection, and reinforced drum construction.

The retraction mechanism plays a vital role in the usability of a retractable hose reel. Automatic retraction systems provide convenient and controlled hose retrieval with minimal effort. Many of our bestselling reels incorporate a smooth retraction feature and an adjustable retraction speed gear to prevent potential hazards caused by rapid or uncontrolled rewinding. Whilst manual retraction systems can be a cost-effective alternative, they are less practical for bigger bore hoses with hose lengths of over 30 meters.

We would always encourage clients to assess the available space they have within their premises to accommodate a reel: we can then help you determine the mounting options that will best suit your needs. Wall-mounted reels will generally save floor space and provide easy access, while ceiling-mounted reels offer additional versatility. We also stock a range of ground mounted reels, but these are generally only used for big bore requirements or when mounted to moving apparatus, such as a maintenance vehicle. Remember: Always evaluate the compatibility of the mounting options available to you before consider the style of reel you wish to consider.

Kiowa offer several reel accessories for both commercial and domestic users, from swivel brackets for easy hose movement, to locking mechanisms for hose length control: many of our modern industrial hose reel ranges come equipped with integrated roller guides as standard, to help ensure even hose distribution and retrieval. We also offer complete reeling solutions, which include a range of additional accessories, such as: nozzles, spray guns, and hose protectors.

Choosing the right retractable hose reel requires careful consideration of your business’s operational requirements. In the first instance, we would always ask that you consider: level of durability required, possible retraction mechanisms needed, mounting options, and any additional features you feel you may benefit from. To help you make an informed decision, Kiowa’s in-house reels consultants are always happy to guide you through this process, prioritising quality and usability, whilst also considering budgetary and maximum performance requirements.

Whilst we can’t practically provide specific set-up for every type of retractable reel currently on the market, we have tried to provide a basic set of guiding principles. Note: All hose reels supplied by Kiowa include full aftercare support, with technical reel engineers on hand to advise on everything from retraction adjustment to best practice installation.

Begin by ascertaining an ideal location for the HoseReel. Consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to water sources, or power outlets, and the intended use. Ensure that the chosen location provides ample space for full hose extension and retraction, without obstructions or risk of injury to personnel or property.

For wall mounting, use appropriate anchors or screws to ensure the reel is firmly affixed to a sturdy surface. If ceiling mounting is preferred, utilize suitable brackets and fasteners; always consider, with ceiling and wall mounted reels, that the load baring weight towards the corresponding mounting fixture will increase markedly during hose dispensing.

If you bought a reel supplied directly by Kiowa, apart from connecting the feed source to the reel, the hose reel should by ready to roll!

Carefully connect the hose to the reel, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensure a proper fit by utilizing the recommended fittings and connectors. Always pay attention to the orientation and alignment of the hose, avoiding kinks or twists, as this may affect the functionality and furture lifespan of the hose. Secure all connections tightly to prevent leaks or accidental disconnection during use.

Correct tension adjustment is essential for smooth and controlled hose retraction: adjustment is as much of an art as it is a science, and we would always recommend, particularly for industrial hose reels, that tension adjustment is carried out by the supplier. Consult the reel’s instructions to identify the tension adjustment mechanism. Follow the recommended guidelines to achieve the desired tension, ensuring that the hose retracts without excessive force or resistance. Adjustments may involve using a tension knob, spring tension, or other mechanisms, and will need to factor in the weight and length of the hose, especially where tensioning is performed with the reel drum left bare.

Always ensure that during installation your prioritising operator safety. Industrial Hose Reels can often be excessively heavy, requiring a minimum of two people to install for wall and ceiling mounting. The hose reel should be positioned away from high-traffic areas and potential hazards, consider how much the reel unit may protrude once mounted, especially if you’re using an upward or downward pay-out. You may also wish to consider installing additional safety measures, such as automatic locking mechanisms, to prevent accidental hose release. We would also suggest that signage or floor markings, indicating the flight path of a retractable hose reel, are incorporated within your workshop or factory setup (Kiowa has plenty of knowledge on health and safety compliance for commercial reeling options, so don’t hesitate to reach out!). Finally, always make a point of regularly inspecting the reel, including its connections, and secure mounting. If you identify any signs of wear or damage, on either the reel or the hose, an immediate withdrawal from service would be required, until an appropriately qualified hose reel specialist can assess the remedial works required.

Proper installation and setup are critical for the effective and safe operation of retractable hose reels. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this discussion, users can ensure optimal functionality and longevity of their hose reel systems. Remember to assess the location, mount securely, connect the hose correctly, adjust tension, and prioritize safety. By adhering to these guidelines, users can enjoy the convenience and benefits of retractable hose reels while minimizing potential risks.

Regular maintenance is crucial for maximizing the lifespan and performance of retractable hose reels. By implementing a proactive servicing routine, you can prevent issues, minimize downtime, and extend the functionality of your reeling system. At Kiowa, we also have a range of reel servicing packages available to support you with annual or bi-annual maintenance. The below recommendations are simple maintenance that we would recommend you can perform on a bi-monthly or monthly basis (Note: For reel and hose cleaning scheduling this should be dictated by the fluid being conveyed and your individual legislative requirements).

Regularly clean the exterior surfaces of the hose reel drum to remove dirt, dust, and debris that may accumulate over time. Use a soft cloth or sponge along with mild soap or detergent to gently wipe down the reel body, ensuring the hose guide and reel housing areas are free from any obstructions. Adopting a frequent cleaning schedule not only helps maintain the hygiene standards, but more importantly, ensures long-term uninterrupted functionality of the hose reel. Whilst we haven’t covered steam cleaning in this article, we would recommend that all hoses used within a food environment, and in conjunction with reel assemblies, are regularly steamed cleaned, following manufacturer specific guidance; for further advice and support feel free to reach out to us.

Periodically inspect the hose for signs of wear, cracks, leaks, or kinks. Damaged hoses should be promptly replaced to prevent further issues. Check the connections and fittings for any loose or damaged parts, ensuring a secure and leak-free assembly.

Maintaining proper lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of retractable hose reels. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended lubrication intervals and products. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts, including the reel mechanism, O-rings, springs, and swivel joints. Regular lubrication reduces friction, prevents rust, and extends the longevity of the reel components.

When not in use, store the retractable hose reel in a clean and dry area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If the reel is exposed to harsh weather conditions, consider using a protective cover or housing. Proper storage prevents unnecessary exposure to UV radiation, moisture, and other elements that can degrade the materials and compromise the functionality of the reel. Kiowa has an in-house plastic fabrication facility and can produce custom-made hose reel covers designed for industrial use, such as food safe environments and OEM manufacturing facilities.

Perform regular inspections of the reel mechanism, handles, and components to identify any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Test the reel’s retracting and locking mechanisms to ensure they are functioning correctly. If any issues or abnormalities are detected, address them promptly by referring to the manufacturer’s instructions or seeking professional advice from a suitably qualified HoseReel technician.

At Kiowa, we have a whole team of specialists who are always happy to provide advice and guidance on reel and hose related queries.

By following these simple maintenance tips, users can ensure the longevity, reliability, and optimal performance of their retractable hose reels. Regular cleaning, lubrication, proper storage, and regular inspections, contribute to a well-maintained hose reel system. Implementing these practices not only prolongs the lifespan of the hose reel system but also minimizes downtime, enhances safety, and maximizes productivity.

For more useful tips and advice on Industrial Hose, Hydraulics, and Hose Reels head on over to the Kiowa Knowledge Hub.