Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: p1w1 on February 15, 2017, 03:21:29 pm
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So first day using this reel upgrading from a hanney reel.
After having to send the one from wcw back because of a fault (handled excellently by wcw by the way regarding the return) i ordered from waterworks which was about an extra £20.
First impression.. they are quit big but very solidly built and fairly heavy also narrower then normal reels which isn't a problem and in some ways better as its a smaller footprint.
I found the fittings that come with it dont seem to fit the hose brilliantly and you really need to tighten the jubilee clips up as tight as they can go (this is what i found) but i'm going to to change them anyway, the inlet thread size is 1/4 inch so going to replace the outside with a pro 26 fitting and get bigger barb for the inside of the reel.
The reel didn't come with any jubilee fittings so you will need to source them separately. It also comes with a handle should the motor fail and a t bar (think this may be to stop the reel turning if needed while in transit, although i havent used it and didnt have any issues).
Very simple to connect up to the battery and there is enough cable length to the controller etc giving you enough options on were to put it in the van.
Actual use i found is brilliant when pulling the hose out there is not a lot of restriction and hose comes of easy enough and i found it doesn't keep on spinning when you have pulled the amount of hose you need off therefore the hose doesn't get loose on the reel.
Winding in is really easy just push the button (have to keep it pressed) and it fly's in it did about 100m of hose in 30-40 seconds and its simple to guide it back on the reel while its reeling in.
Overall I'm very happy with it..does it let me do 2-3 extra houses a day? No. Does it make my day even quicker? No. I never brought it for those reasons.
It simply makes my working day easier and its more a luxury then a necessity, but i think i can honestly say you do notice the difference between manually winding in the hose and using this reel at the end of the day in terms of spent energy (i'm 45 and still pretty fit).
If i would improve anything so far it would be the option to be able to slow the reel down when its nearly wound in as its just 1 speed but after using it on a few houses you get the feel for when to let go of the button (so just a minor thing).
Overall i would recommend this reel, i think for what it is its reasonably priced time will tell regarding the the motor but there not that expensive to replace anyway. If your happy to pay near on £500 for a 25ft extreme and understand the value in that then i think you will find the same for this reel ( it does make your day easier).
Although you can get the cheaper version petal reel (i personally have never liked the petal style reel) i would recommend paying the extra and going for the hd version.
I didn't get the remote version personally i didn't need it, and i wouldn't want to start winding in when im not able to see if there a people walking past on the pavement while doing so and also i think it is best to feed the hose onto to the reel while it is winding in.
Also 100m of microbore easily fits on to it.
Just my 2 pence worth on the reel for anyone thinking of making the move :)
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I used the HD today for first time .What a joy to use . Certainly made my day easier .Took a bit of playing with the calabration as I had switched to microbore.small leak on outside hose connection ,fixed by tightening JC ,will probably will change for a double ear ring to make really secure .By far the best reel I have ever used .Would definitely buy this again .
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Thanks for the review and comments!
Just a quick Q.
Before you had the leccy reel was your hand reel fixed in the van or did you generally lift it in and out?
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Thanks for the review and comments!
Just a quick Q.
Before you had the leccy reel was your hand reel fixed in the van or did you generally lift it in and out?
Fixed in the van but at waist height on top of a converted swivel chair base so i can point the reel in any direction. I've done the electric reel the same way.
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I love mine. Just upgraded from the petal add on to the HD. Superb.
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Leccy reels are so much easier than manual. Even better mine only cost 50 quid, dont think i could stomach 400 plus for one though.
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I have the new (ish) reel from purefreedom when i switched 2yr back. Pending where im working i either pick up reel, close van doors n connect to a port at back of van or else i just leave van doors open. Just having van doors open is better as obviously not lugging reel around, but its so much easier winding it in at this level. Im only 39 n still fit, but after many yrs of hard work trad cleaning im enjoying the easier n more profitable ways of working. So liking these reviews on power reels.
Do you know if you can get a kit to motorise the pure freedom reels?? Also any links would be beneficial, cherrs in advance chaps
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If it's the blue petal reel from pure freedom you can use this is think https://www.waterworkswindowcleaning.co.uk/power-up-add-on-gen-2.html
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(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1487232661_Screenshot_2017-02-16-08-10-50.png)I have this one, so im guessing i need to change reel if im gonna diy it
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My old reel was fixed to floor .
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Nathankaye
You can use the petals reels with the waterworks addon kit i checked with jordan king from water workd its in the link I put up . Or you can DIY it completely but I felt I'd rather pay the price then mess about trying to diy it . To busy don't have the time .. for the likes of me I can't find the thread for the diy eletric hose reels members where making on here .
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Look up the tread on how to diy your own one . If you feel you have the time . If I do mange to find it i will send you it .
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I have the HD mk1.
Life saver for me. Wouldn't be without one.
Only comment I found different and what does my head in is, when reeling out its got no resistance and keeps on reeling out. Causes problems at times. Still love it
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Cheers Jay, i try n look uo link later.
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No problem Nathankaye
Here's the link for the DIY version
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=205356.0
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No problem Nathankaye
Here's the link for the DIY version
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=205356.0
Cheers bud, just spent last half hr or so, reading through all 12 pages on there. Lol i feel like an expert now and placing my orders
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No worries bud let me know how you get on .
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Thanks for the review and comments!
Just a quick Q.
Before you had the leccy reel was your hand reel fixed in the van or did you generally lift it in and out?
please speak english ;D ;D ;D
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No worries bud let me know how you get on .
Will do. Ordered all parts last night, just hoping i dont have all the trouble all other chaps had with being sent the wrong motor. But im looking forward to sorting that out along with the immersion heater
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Bit of an update .After 3 days use .Still impressed .On the HD there is a decent amount of resistance when pulling hose out ,so as yet hose has stayed on reel .Also I have a large lesure battery and instead of a week plus between bench charging ,I am getting 2 days possibly a bit more but don't want to risk battery .Going to try running HD on large car battery see how long these last .
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Used my hd power up hose reel today along with my uni valve , tubless setup and slx 22 with extreme brush . Power up hose reel is awsome i did a good days work 3 big jobs 130meters of hose (30 of pole hose) reeled on in 30 -40 second. Made my day so much easier that i ended uo getting alot more done then i usally do with out getting cream crackerd .
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Wor Lass winds mine in while I sort out the invoice for the customer.
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Thats why i dont understand all these guys who bad mouth wfp and wont ever attempt to even give it a try, as in work with someone for day to see for themselves. But saying that, i was one of those guys as well, i couldnt see what all the fuss was about and listening to all complaints from customers etc etc. It wasnt till my mate switched over and i had no choice but to use it when i helped him out, that i became hooked.
All the hard stuff, annoying leaded windows in scorching sun. Cold hands in winter, cold ladders, wet leg from bucket on belt etc etc. It all becomes irrelevant, work becomes a joy, its easy. BUT it has spoilt me now, thats why im wanting earm water and cant wait to piece my own electric reel together, thanks to the advice from here and other threads. Just the ease of winding all the hose in! Its not about saving a minute here n there, but just the ease of doing so...cant wait, parts should come monday/tue
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Mate you hit the nail on the head there . If something is going to make your job easier isnt it worth investing in it. Its not about doing the job faster its about doing it the easy way possible . Ive heard it so many times and ive said it loads too when i brought something to make my job easier.
" why didnt i do this sooner "
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i have had the electric reel round a bout a year my advice is carry spares for it like a chain and split link keep an eye on it when reeling it in if it jumps off motor side it gets caught behind the bolt head and its a numptyo to get off and also if you use hot the hose gets flexable and gets into a tangle and you cant untangle it easily after using it for ages it still happens once in a whle but I would not be with out it infact I am gonna buy the kit to adapt my spare reel
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i have had the electric reel round a bout a year my advice is carry spares for it like a chain and split link keep an eye on it when reeling it in if it jumps off motor side it gets caught behind the bolt head and its a numptyo to get off and also if you use hot the hose gets flexable and gets into a tangle and you cant untangle it easily after using it for ages it still happens once in a whle but I would not be with out it infact I am gonna buy the kit to adapt my spare reel
How often has your chain broken in the last year?
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i have had the electric reel round a bout a year my advice is carry spares for it like a chain and split link keep an eye on it when reeling it in if it jumps off motor side it gets caught behind the bolt head and its a numptyo to get off and also if you use hot the hose gets flexable and gets into a tangle and you cant untangle it easily after using it for ages it still happens once in a whle but I would not be with out it infact I am gonna buy the kit to adapt my spare reel
How often has your chain broken in the last year?
Mine 2 times in 2 years. My fault for not watching the thin hose. If you guide it in, it shouldn't happen
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i have had the electric reel round a bout a year my advice is carry spares for it like a chain and split link keep an eye on it when reeling it in if it jumps off motor side it gets caught behind the bolt head and its a numptyo to get off and also if you use hot the hose gets flexable and gets into a tangle and you cant untangle it easily after using it for ages it still happens once in a whle but I would not be with out it infact I am gonna buy the kit to adapt my spare reel
How often has your chain broken in the last year?
Mine 2 times in 2 years. My fault for not watching the thin hose. If you guide it in, it shouldn't happen
is that the power addon though or the HD, i have the addon and have the same issue due to my negligence of getting carried away reeling in and not guiding it on the reel properly, looking at the HD that looks proper with big deep sides to it to stop the hose getitng down the sides, when this addon dies or before i will get a HD they look a strong proper made piece of kit.
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Did anyone by the remote version of the hd real?
Roy
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was the split link that got chewed up so got a couple just in case
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was the split link that got chewed up so got a couple just in case
Was that the addon or the HD reel pal?