Guide: How to choose the right industrial hose reel

Are you a service technician, buyer or technical manager in the process industry looking for the right hose reel for use in your production? Then you've come to the right place!

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to choose the right industrial hose reel - from identifying your needs to researching possible suppliers.

The choice is important, as the wrong model can lead to downtime, costly repairs due to misuse - or in the worst-case scenario, personal injury. That's why it pays to research your options thoroughly to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Read on and learn more!

What is an industrial hose reel?

Industrial hose reels are used in many different manufacturing companies to safely store and transport industrial hoses.

Industrial hose reels are different from the ones you normally use in the garden or to clean your car at home. They are made of stainless steel and consist of various parts such as the frame, spool, brake system and mounting base. This makes them more durable and suitable for demanding production conditions involving high pressure, high temperatures and/or corrosive materials.

3 things you should consider

1. Understand your needs

The right choice requires you to know your needs, including application, hose dimensions and type, service and maintenance, and safety considerations.

If it's a long industrial hose, for example for cleaning applications, you'll need a hose reel that can handle the extra length. If the industrial hose is heavy and robust, you should look for a hose reel that is built to handle the extra weight and wear and tear.

To use the hose reel correctly, it's also important to know the normal working pressure (bar) at which the industrial hose operates. For cleaning purposes, lighter but longer industrial hose types that can handle up to 5 bars are often used, whereas low-pressure hoses are more heavily constructed, heavier and can handle up to 40 bars.

Service and maintenance are also important aspects to consider. Some models are designed to be easy to service, which can save time and money. If the wheel needs to be replaced or repaired, having quick access to the right spare parts can make all the difference.

Last but not least, it's important to consider safety, including a strong locking mechanism, proper installation, regular maintenance, and training employees on safe use. The hose reel should be placed close to the application area to avoid the risk of obstructions or damage.

2. Research different types and features

Within industrial hose reels, there is a wide range of different types and features to choose from, for example, manual or automatic rewinding.

A manual hose reel, such as our AFT 9002-9620 AVM, is perfect for situations where slow manual rewinding is required. This type is also ideal for mounting on a trolley, so you can easily move the industrial hose between taps in production.

Automatic AFT 1000-1100 AV hose reel and safety brake kit.

If fast and efficient rewinding of industrial hose is required, an automatic hose rewinder such as our AFT 1000-1100 AV is better suited. Safety features are also important to consider here. At Alfotech, we often recommend our customers a safety brake kit that reduces the rewind speed and makes a controlled rewind of the industrial hose.

3. Choose the right supplier

Once you have an idea of what you're looking for in a hose reel for your production, it's time to research possible suppliers. It can be helpful to talk to an experienced supplier about choosing the right hose reel with a focus on selection, pricing, delivery times, customer support and documentation.

At Alfotech, our many years of experience in the process industry has given us a deep understanding of the challenges and needs that manufacturing companies typically face. We offer a wide range of products and are known for our fast delivery, excellent customer service and comprehensive documentation. 

It's important to choose a supplier that fits your specific needs and requirements. It can be helpful to ask others in the industry about their experiences and to read online reviews to get an idea of the supplier's reputation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right industrial hose reel for your production is a critical decision that requires research and consideration. Most importantly, knowing your needs, researching different types and features, and working with a supplier who understands your needs and can guide you through the process of choosing the right solution.

With careful planning and the right guidance from an experienced supplier, you can find the perfect hose reel for your application - one that keeps personnel safe while ensuring efficient operation of equipment with minimal maintenance costs.

Get expert help from Alfotech

With more than 35 years of experience as a supplier to the process industry, we always strive to provide the best solutions for our customers. Our product range includes both manual and automatic hose reels constructed from stainless steel components. We also offer a relevant range of spare parts and accessories.

If you would like to know more about our industrial hose reels or discuss your specific needs, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone +45 7020 0422 or by email alfotech@alfotech.dk. Our sales team is ready with advice and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a regular and an industrial hose reel?

An industrial hose reel is designed to handle more demanding conditions such as higher pressures, temperatures, and corrosive materials, while a regular hose reel is typically designed for lighter applications such as garden watering or car washing.

Which industrial hose reel is best?

The best industrial hose reel for your specific situation depends on several factors such as application, hose dimensions and type, service and maintenance, safety considerations and more.

Are industrial hose reels available for compressed air?

Yes, there are industrial hose reels designed specifically for use with compressed air. They are typically robust and can handle high pressure levels.

Can you get industrial hose reels for water?

Yes, many industrial hose reels are designed to handle water, including both cold and hot water, as well as water under high pressure.