The type of reel you need is determined by two factors – what it’s holding (hose or cable) and how it will be used (live or storage).

Start with the hose or cable you’ll be using. The size, length, and type are the primary factors in selecting the proper reel for your job, but the quality of the hose or cable is just as important.

Be sure to use good quality hose rated for the service and operating pressures and temperatures to perform your application safely and efficiently. Poor quality hose tends to expand and contract under pressure surges, causing the reel to bind or even become distorted and inoperable. Check for proper temperature and pressure ratings and compatibility with the fluid you will be using whether it be fuel, corrosive chemicals and pesticides or water.

It is important to use good quality cable, properly sized, with the correct number and size of conductors to carry the required amperage and voltage. Compliance with local electrical codes should also be considered.

Live reels connect to your hose or cable, allowing fluid or current to pass through while still on the reel. Continuous-Flow Hose Reels come as live single hose reels or live dual hose reels, and are built to specifically handle a variety of liquids and gases. Live Electric Cable Reels can be customized based on the number of conductors and connectors, voltage, amperage, and cable specifications for your situation. Storage reels wind up your hose or cable, but do NOT allow fluid or current to flow while still on the reel. The hose or cable must be taken off the spool of the reel to be connected and used.

Once you know what type of reel you need (hose vs. cable, live vs. storage), it’s important to understand the available options and your specific needs to ensure a perfect fit.

Hub Assembly (Hose Reel): Standard, Standard with Optional Flanged Riser, and Optional Two-Way configurations.

Rewind Options:
Manual (hand crank, gear-driven crank, direct crank, or chain-driven crank)
Spring (vertical lift, drag, stretch, or recovery)
Power (electric, air, or hydraulic)

Additional Spring Rewind Options:
Roller Position: SR (Standard) for drag, VR for lift, TR for stretch or wall-mount.
Reverse Spring Location available for specialized installations.

Optional Auxiliary Rewind Positions:
Standard: Horizontal
Upgrades: Vertical or 30° angle (additional cost)

Installation Options:
Floor, wall, ceiling, vehicle, trailer, or cart-mounted reels.

Location of Components:
Hub assembly & motor location options: Right top rewind (standard), Left top rewind, Right bottom rewind, Left bottom rewind.

Optional Motor Locations:
Standard: Bottom rear
Optional: Bottom front, elevated 2 o’clock, elevated 10 o’clock, inboard (ESF firefighting reels only).