Most hose reels and cable reels are exposed to all kinds of attrition, including from very high and very low temperatures, wind and water, dust, chemical substances, and UV light. It is essential to make sure that they are able to withstand the conditions of your facility for as long as possible, whether it is a chemical plant or an oil platform; a bus garage or an aquatics center. Many environments are more demanding than one might assume, in terms of temperature, humidity and/or corrosion.
Industrial hoses and cables will, by their very nature, get pulled and dragged on a very frequent basis. This means that they must be constructed and tested in such a way that they are easy for their operators to handle, thus minimizing unnecessary wear and tear. The heavier the hose or cable reel is, the more inertia it has. The degree of inertia needs to be adjusted to suit the environment and industry in which the equipment will be used. Operators working on wet floors, for example, will likely benefit from having somewhat lighter hoses and cables, that do not require the same physical effort as heavier ones. The hoses and cables must also be easy to grab and hold on to. As many of them are exposed to liquids or greasy substances, it is important that one can easily wipe them off, and that they are not too smooth or slippery to begin with.
A lot of wear and tear can be prevented by simply using a reel in the first place, and keeping the cables and hoses retracted when not used. One of the most common reasons why hoses and cables have to be replaced is that they have been run over repeatedly. Keeping them retracted on their reels, rather than leaving them out on the floor, facilitates the movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment, improving productivity while reducing the risks of accidents and material damages.
When installing and using retractable industrial hose reels and cable reels, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Merely mounting them upside down, or in an unintentionally slanting manner, will have a negative impact on the service life of the equipment, and the operator’s ability to use it properly.
In terms of maintenance, a highly durable cable reel or hose reel should not require more than an annual visual inspection. If it requires monthly or even weekly maintenance, however minimal, it should be replaced with a hose reel or cable reel that is more robust. Doing so will prevent unnecessary maintenance and production stops, and reduce the total cost of ownership.
While most industrial reels are mounted to the walls, it is often worth considering mounting them to the ceiling instead. Being able to pull the hoses and cables straight down from above is often the best way of making sure that they are easy to access, while not interfering with other operations. In order for the hoses and cables to retract properly, the reels need to have well-adjusted springs, and preferably ball bearings to minimize friction. At Nederman, we have made this a minimum standard for all our industrial hose reels and cable reels.
The differences in product quality between various manufacturers’ industrial cable reels and hose reels can be significant. A high quality item can be used for more than a decade, while a low quality variant may have to be replaced after less than six months of usage. The cables and hoses need to be sturdy, but not to the extent that they cannot be bent, and also not too light or floppy. These are important aspects to consider when investing in a new reel. Using high quality steel, aluminum and/or composite materials for the reels, swivels and other components is key in order to achieve maximum durability.
Nederman’s production of industrial hose reels and cable reels is located in the very same building as the company’s headquarters in Helsingborg, Sweden. This is where the reels are assembled and tested, before being shipped around the world. All components and products follow Nederman’s unique design. Thanks to the high quality of the hoses and the cables, and the thorough testing that they undergo at our production facility, the number of items that has to be recalled or modified is next to non-existent.
Nederman’s hose reels and cable reels are made to withstand temperatures between -20 and 60 degrees centigrade, and usually work fine even outside that interval. Their service life is at least ten to fifteen years. Nederman’s hose and cable reels will last for decades, and perform with excellence in all conditions.
You can find out more about our industrial hose reels and cable reels here. For more articles on our work with durable and convenient industrial applications, please visit our Nederman Knowledge Center.
We have extensive experience of various challenges in the different industries and our experts are very skilled, helpful and professional. With us, you can feel secure that we take care of you and your needs. You are always welcome to contact us regardless if you have a short question or a more complex and complicated one. A warm welcome to Nederman.
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