Over the years, only a few people knew about hose reels, but they have recently gained popularity due to their efficiency. The different types, such as a retractable water hose reel, make work easier by winding and unwinding a hose, and they all differ in terms of characteristics. Some reels are more expensive than others, but you get an excellent gardening experience while using them. In this write-up, we look at types of hose reels.
Types of Hose Reels
Hose reels are categorized into three major types: spring retractable, motor driven, and manual rewind. Their primary function is to coil and unwind a hose, but they have major differences and characteristics.
1. Spring Retractable Hose Reel
It is also known as spring rewind. It is easy and fast to use and is ideal for short hoses with high-frequency winding and unwinding. The hose reel has a latch where the hose is secured after being drawn to its desired size. When this happens, the reel applies tension to the spring. After using the hose, the latch is released by a short tug, and the spring tension causes the hose to retract. This type of hose reel is automatic, so minimal effort is required during the process. You can mount the reel anywhere you want: wall, ceiling, or ground, provided it’s accessible and won’t affect its impact. Spring retractable hose reels have a major disadvantage in that they only accommodate a hose with a maximum length of 30 meters by 25mm.
2. Motor Driven Hose Reel
This hose reel is suitable for all applications, especially those that need thorough winding and unwinding, as long as there is a power connection. It is good for long and large hoses that are hard to roll up manually to save on time and energy. The hose reel cannot retract the hose completely since it’s not fully automated. You need to put in minimal effort to make the whole process possible. One disadvantage with this reel is it can’t function without power. In case of power shortage or lack of power connectivity, seek a backup example, the manual rewind hose reel.
3. Manual Rewind Hose Reel
Unlike the motor-driven hose reel, this one is more labor-intensive since it is entirely manual. Hose retraction is done by turning the handle connected to the drum manually. The process is tiring and limits the hose length that can be rewound. However, a hose up to 60 meters long can fit in the reel as long as the operator is strong enough to work on it. The machine has few moving parts; hence damages are reduced but, it requires a lot of effort and time to operate it, thereby limiting productivity.
Final Words
All hose reels are designed to retract hoses. However, the kind you choose will influence the method needed to do the winding and unwinding. Identify the benefits and limitations of each type of hose reel before deciding on one. You can get the reels at any store dealing with gardening equipment at varying prices based on your preference.
