Automatic Hose Reels
Automatic hose reels are a type of hose reel that uses electric, hydraulic, spring or pneumatic power to unwind and wind the hosing with minimum effort. Offering fully automatic retraction, the purpose of automatic hose reels is to keep hoses neat when not in use and kink free when being used. Hoses lying out are a tripping hazard to employees and customers; automatic hose reels prevent this danger and also prolong the life of the hose. Automatic hose reels are manufactured to meet requirements for a variety of applications. Smaller versions are able to house smaller diameter and lighter hosing such as automatic water hoses for gardens while larger versions such as fire hose reels are used for fire department and construction hoses. There are certain automatic hose reels that are utilized solely for transportation and others that are used for transportation and storage. Some automatic hose reels allow the use of the hose while it is still wound up, referred to as live connection hose reels. Overall, automatic hose reels provide easy access and storing efficiency, which is the main draw for consumers.
As revolvable drum-shaped devices designed for hoses to wrap around, automatic hose reels are designed for convenient, automated winding and unwinding in indoor or outdoor facilities as well as on the back of vehicles. Automatic hose reels offer three main retraction methods: electric, hydraulic and pneumatic rewinding, which have motors that drive the reel's rewinding; and spring rewinding, with an internal spring that rewinds the reel. There are also two main types of automatic cord reel designs: open design and closed, or cage, design. Open design automatic hose reels leave the hose uncovered, which provides little protection. In closed design automatic hose reels the reel is covered by an outer structure. This outer structure is typically constructed from metal or plastic and referred to as a cage or box. The cage protects the hose from atmospheric threats such as sun, fumes or chemicals. However, both automatic hose reel designs are durable and will often last a lifetime. In addition, many automatic hose reels come with a latching mechanism that assures positive extension stop and easy retraction at any length.