How to Select and Order the Right Hose or Cable Reel

Selecting the right hose or cable reel starts with understanding your application needs and clearly defining your specifications. Choosing the correct reel ensures smooth performance, safety, and long-term reliability for your operation.

Hannay reels are trusted across industries, from agriculture and aviation to transportation, construction, waste management, and more. Each application demands a reel that fits its specific environment, operating conditions, and materials.

Key Specifications to Consider

Getting the right reel begins with matching these five critical elements:

1. Hose or Cable Type

Reels are designed differently based on what they hold and how they function.

• Hose reels
  • Single-hose reels: For air, water, grease, etc.
  • Dual-hose reels: For specialized uses like hydraulics, foam, or pesticides.
• Cable reels manage power, data, or communications lines. Options include:
  • Power cords
  • Extension cables
  • Fiber optic or hybrid lines

Tip: Always confirm your reel is rated for your application to ensure safe, reliable performance.

2. Size, Length, and Bend Radius

Selecting the correct reel capacity depends on the diameter and length of your hose or cable.

• Diameter determines how much material the reel can hold.
• Bend radius (how flexible or stiff the hose or cable bends) affects how tightly the hose or cable can coil without strain or damage.
• Oversized or undersized reels can lead to improper winding, reducing service life and performance.

Tip: When in doubt on proper reel capacity consult one of our inside sales reps with help on correctly sizing a reel.

3. Operating Conditions

A reel must be rated for maximum pressure, temperature, and fluid or power used in your system.

For Hose Reels:

• Ensure pressure and temperature ratings meet or exceed operating limits.
• Match swivel joints and components to your fluid type (corrosive chemicals require special materials).
• Food and beverage or breathing-air applications need sanitary or contamination-free internals.

For Cable Reels:

• Match amperage and voltage to your system requirements.
• Common configurations include three- or four-conductor assemblies, rated for 45 or 75 amps and up to 600 volts.
• Never exceed the specified voltage or current rating of a reel or cable.

Tip: Properly matching your reel ensures safe, efficient, long-lasting performance.

4. Reel Construction

Your application can dictate the reel construction materials needed for safety, durability, and corrosion resistance. Hannay reels are available in three primary material options:

• Painted steel: Durable and cost-effective for general-purpose use
• Stainless steel: Corrosion-resistant; ideal for moisture or chemical exposure
• Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant; suited for chemical or sensitive applications

Tip: Corrosive or sensitive applications, such as fertilizers, pesticides, soft-wash systems, and food or beverage transfer, often require corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or aluminum. Most Hannay reels can be constructed in any of these materials, allowing you to choose the best balance of strength, weight, and corrosion protection for your specific environment.

5. Mounting Location and Configuration

For tight spaces, spring rewind reels offer compact, self-retracting convenience. For larger capacity reels, powered or manual rewind models may be required. The available space and method of use determine your mounting choice.

• Floor, wall, and ceiling installations: Ideal for fixed work areas
• Vehicle and trailer mounts: Designed for mobile applications
• Portable reels on wheels: Best for multi-location operations

Tip: Consider the roller assembly position to ensure smooth payout and rewind. Options are available for ceiling, wall, floor, and truck mount configurations.