Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: L.J.Thorpe on July 10, 2008, 09:28:27 pm

Title: reel set up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on July 10, 2008, 09:28:27 pm
just want to know about all the different set ups
do you work out of rear doors/side doors
manifold with reel out and van locked up
doors wide open and no worries
reel inside and cat flap?
all opinions welcome and pics of manifold set up or diy improvs
cheers ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Chris Cottrell on July 10, 2008, 09:32:54 pm
both my reels are set inside the rear doors
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 10, 2008, 09:35:21 pm
Thorpy where have you been?
I work with my reel inside the van always, but i have invented a highly advanced system of running my hose through the floor if needed so i can lock the van. I have made a pioneering design but am waiting for a patent on it as we speak.  ;)
However most of the time i work with the back doors open and the cab locked. My reel is as close to the back doors as possible.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Dave Turley on July 10, 2008, 10:11:12 pm
my reel is attached to the end of a hoselock autoreel, which is mounted in my van.

this means that I can place my reel up to 20 metres away from van, and make a right angle (or any other angle I like) to pull my hose off the reel.

this is very useful if you can't park right outside a customers property
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 10, 2008, 10:30:46 pm
Dave can you explain a bit more? I had thought of mounting my reel on a plate with a bearing to allow it to rotate with the pull of the hose so it always points in the right direction.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: NWH on July 10, 2008, 10:30:52 pm
The ideal setup would be 1 bolted to the floor and another for use outside the van when needed.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 10, 2008, 10:47:56 pm
Easy to do, i run the whole hose through the floor and out of the locked van sometimes and let it spin inside with it all closed up.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: d s windowcleaning on July 10, 2008, 10:57:41 pm
I Like the idea of a short hose through hole in floor of van through to hose reel outside of locked van.
i agree  :)
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 06:33:37 am
reels out side, so van can is locked when we are away from it.

Straight out the back IMO causes more of a trip hazard
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: East coast window cleaning Services on July 11, 2008, 04:17:27 pm
Mines bolted on to my tank and work out the back doors. can still shut and lock van if needed specially in hackney  :D and have no issue with the flow.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: jefftemperley on July 11, 2008, 05:12:51 pm
i use a roller guide cut into the side of my van so i can lock it. no need to keep setting up as soon as i pull up outside a job i take the pole of the roof and walk off ready to work straight away. makes a difference if your doing 20-30 houses a day!
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 05:30:47 pm
A reason I dont have mine through the floor in van is because of tangles hose when winding in sometimes, I could see it being a total nightmare.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 11, 2008, 05:35:27 pm
Not when it's right near the back - i can still guide it quite easily with my left hand as it's only about six inches under the bumper. Never need to disconnect or lift the hosereel in and out so no mess, no leaks, no airlocks. Just need to park properly for the job in hand.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Sir Squeaky on July 11, 2008, 05:40:48 pm
Outside?

What, do you have one with wheels on that you pull along like a trailer? ???
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 11, 2008, 05:42:51 pm
 ??? who me?
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Sir Squeaky on July 11, 2008, 05:43:47 pm
Anyone.
Why would you have a reel outside of the van?

Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 05:45:22 pm
Anyone.
Why would you have a reel outside of the van?


so I can angle it where I want to go, can you do that from in a van  ::)
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: NWH on July 11, 2008, 05:46:06 pm
Anyone.
Why would you have a reel outside of the van?


The only good thing about an outside reel is that it dosen`t matter at what angle or direction you park your van,you can take out the reel and point it where you want to go.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 11, 2008, 05:50:41 pm
I have mine mounted inside - I work from a citroen dispatch so one reel is mounted to the ceiling in the front, so it can be pulled from either side door and one is mounted in the back.

I find I use the ceiling reel more for domestics with on street parking or when there  is a car in the drive and the rear if i have to park away from the job or for large commercial.

I can lock my cab if needs be But I leave the back open most of the time. if I really feel security is important I can close the doors on the hose and they lock fine without restricting the flow.


Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 11, 2008, 05:51:27 pm
I used to work like that Ian, but what a waste of effort humping a hundred metres of hose full of water up and down all day. I havent lifted mine out for a year now.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 06:03:26 pm
I used to work like that Ian, but what a waste of effort humping a hundred metres of hose full of water up and down all day. I havent lifted mine out for a year now.
to be honest it is easy to take out and put in takes about 10 seconds max and lock door and walk, do you have to go back to the van to lock yours after you pull the hose out ?

Kev you never had a pole nicked yet ?
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 11, 2008, 06:48:31 pm

Kev you never had a pole nicked yet ?

Nope - I live and work in a fairly good area. I also have a dog that comes to work with me - if  anyone comes near the van she barks like mad!!! better than an alarm any day LOL  ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Clive McDonald on July 11, 2008, 06:51:00 pm
Quote from: windowwashers

Kev you never had a pole nicked yet ?
[quote
Why have you?
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 06:53:35 pm
Quote from: windowwashers

Kev you never had a pole nicked yet ?
[quote
Why have you?
not a pole no, I ran after someone looking in the back and lost half a ladder to some muppet
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Sir Squeaky on July 11, 2008, 06:55:50 pm
Anyone.
Why would you have a reel outside of the van?


so I can angle it where I want to go, can you do that from in a van  ::)
Doesn't matter which angle I'm at.
It still pulls out fine. ???
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 06:58:05 pm
Anyone.
Why would you have a reel outside of the van?


so I can angle it where I want to go, can you do that from in a van  ::)
Doesn't matter which angle I'm at.
It still pulls out fine. ???
walk to side of van and walk forward to front of van does it still work ?
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Sir Squeaky on July 11, 2008, 06:58:33 pm
Kevin.
Surely the reel on the ceiling causes problems with the hose across the pavement at waist or head height!

I have to watch I'm not causing a trip hazard sometimes if the hose is taut, and mines on the floor. ???
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Sir Squeaky on July 11, 2008, 06:59:49 pm
Anyone.
Why would you have a reel outside of the van?


so I can angle it where I want to go, can you do that from in a van  ::)
Doesn't matter which angle I'm at.
It still pulls out fine. ???
walk to side of van and walk forward to front of van does it still work ?
Yeah, it just goes around the inside of the around door.
Doesn't seem to have scratched it much, and it's not a visible bit anyway.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 07:02:23 pm
Kevin.
Surely the reel on the ceiling causes problems with the hose across the pavement at waist or head height!

I have to watch I'm not causing a trip hazard sometimes if the hose is taut, and mines on the floor. ???
thought your was in your van ?

Mine is opn the floor on the ground
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 11, 2008, 07:19:21 pm
Kevin.
Surely the reel on the ceiling causes problems with the hose across the pavement at waist or head height!

I have to watch I'm not causing a trip hazard sometimes if the hose is taut, and mines on the floor. ???


Because its mounted high the weight of the hose beneath the reel pulls a bit more off till it rests on the van floor - not a problem unless Im pulling on it, but as long as my signs are out no probs.  ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 11, 2008, 07:42:01 pm
I used to work like that Ian, but what a waste of effort humping a hundred metres of hose full of water up and down all day. I havent lifted mine out for a year now.
to be honest it is easy to take out and put in takes about 10 seconds max and lock door and walk, do you have to go back to the van to lock yours after you pull the hose out ?

Kev you never had a pole nicked yet ?

No i feed the hose through the floor, lock the van and walk away with the hose in my hand the reel spins inside the van as i walk. Usually i'll work with the back doors open and the cab locked though, unless i'm in a dodgy area.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Sir Squeaky on July 11, 2008, 08:16:58 pm
Kevin.
Surely the reel on the ceiling causes problems with the hose across the pavement at waist or head height!

I have to watch I'm not causing a trip hazard sometimes if the hose is taut, and mines on the floor. ???
thought your was in your van ?

Mine is opn the floor on the ground
I meant the floor of the van. ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on July 11, 2008, 09:58:02 pm
ftp why do i not recognise that name ???
you seem to know who i am
quite a heated debate this ;D
and no name calling ......yet ;)
looks like a fairly even split between in or out
i will just have to see how it works out
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: NWH on July 11, 2008, 10:05:24 pm
Anyone.
Why would you have a reel outside of the van?


so I can angle it where I want to go, can you do that from in a van  ::)
Doesn't matter which angle I'm at.
It still pulls out fine. ???
Mine pulls out from most angles fine aswell but from time to time i look at the paintwork below the rear lights and i can see that it`s scratched the paint,when your round the back of a house you can`t see.The best option is to have 2 reels even if you work on your own sometimes.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 11, 2008, 10:41:51 pm
Heated debate? no just saying how i work, suits me, there are two things that are physically tiring with a van mount in my opinion a) lifting a hosereel in and out - solved that and b) handling a heavy pole all day - got that as comfortable as i can buy purchasing the best pole. Maybe i could increase the angles i can pull the hose out by screwing those hozelock guides to the door or something but in my eyes i've got it as good as i can get it.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 11, 2008, 10:48:57 pm
I used to lift my hoses in and out when I first started but it really is unnecessary work IMO. A metal hose reel with 100m hose of full of pure water is hard work lifting in and out 40 or so times a day when just pulling the hose off it is much easier. My hose reels are bolted to the van floor / ceiling  which makes winding them in easy too.

Squeeky - I dont have a problem with hoses they just lay on the floor  ;)
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 11:35:26 pm
I used to lift my hoses in and out when I first started but it really is unnecessary work IMO. A metal hose reel with 100m hose of full of pure water is hard work lifting in and out 40 or so times a day when just pulling the hose off it is much easier. My hose reels are bolted to the van floor / ceiling  which makes winding them in easy too.

Squeeky - I dont have a problem with hoses they just lay on the floor  ;)
My problem is security hose in van either means you dont clse it or you are doing something that I would honeslty like to know, leaving it open is not an option I would take the other I am all ears
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 11, 2008, 11:54:52 pm
Ian,

Have you tried closing the doors with the hose running out from inside? I do this from time to time with no problems.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 11, 2008, 11:59:14 pm
Ian,

Have you tried closing the doors with the hose running out from inside? I do this from time to time with no problems.
yep tried it, going back to van to close after hose is fully out is not an option as sometime I can be the whole 100mtrs away on some jobs we do and would waste time.

I am not closing my ears to this way I just cant see it working from what I read.

I am always more than willing to learn anything I am clever in this way and not stupid to think I know it all like some I read about.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: NWH on July 12, 2008, 12:02:18 am
In most vans there is rubber between the 2 doors,i put my hose in the middle of the doors and this rubber protects the hose and dosen`t press on it or pinch it,it works fine like this.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 12, 2008, 12:03:37 am
In most vans there is rubber between the 2 doors,i put my hose in the middle of the doors and this rubber protects the hose and dosen`t press on it or pinch it,it works fine like this.
what and you can walk freely with it this way ??
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: NWH on July 12, 2008, 12:05:21 am
No sorry i didn`t explain,i reel out how much i`ll need on a job and then lock the van up.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: NWH on July 12, 2008, 12:06:46 am
And for people who go through the floor on the DIY route,it ruins the hose in no time i know someone that does this and his hose lasts no time at all.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 12, 2008, 12:09:12 am
No sorry i didn`t explain,i reel out how much i`ll need on a job and then lock the van up.
take it out of van save yourself time m8

A reel is not heavy and is a lot quicker than walking back to van, I am shocked you said that but resoect you for giving me the answer I have been waiting for all night.


Ian
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: NWH on July 12, 2008, 12:14:24 am
My reel is bolted to the floor as it suits all my work,if it didn`t i would change things round.With my work i don`t have trouble with having to secure the van all the time,most of the time i`m in the sticks down country lanes etc.Outside ports on vans were designed for working in town centres or in the city where the van has to be locked or things will go missing,if people don`t do this type of work there a waste of time having them IMO.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 12, 2008, 12:19:36 am
My reel is bolted to the floor as it suits all my work,if it didn`t i would change things round.With my work i don`t have trouble with having to secure the van all the time,most of the time i`m in the sticks down country lanes etc.Outside ports on vans were designed for working in town centres or in the city where the van has to be locked or things will go missing,if people don`t do this type of work there a waste of time having them IMO.
true, I dont work in the sticks really mostly built up areas, I may get a tazer next  ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 12, 2008, 12:26:14 am
My reel is bolted to the floor as it suits all my work,if it didn`t i would change things round.With my work i don`t have trouble with having to secure the van all the time,most of the time i`m in the sticks down country lanes etc.Outside ports on vans were designed for working in town centres or in the city where the van has to be locked or things will go missing,if people don`t do this type of work there a waste of time having them IMO.
true, I dont work in the sticks really mostly built up areas, I may get a tazer next  ;D

I do the same as NWH, pull out as much as I need then lock the doors if I feel the need. But its rare!

I guess if your in a large city a tazer may be necessary LOL  ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 12, 2008, 12:34:07 am
My reel is bolted to the floor as it suits all my work,if it didn`t i would change things round.With my work i don`t have trouble with having to secure the van all the time,most of the time i`m in the sticks down country lanes etc.Outside ports on vans were designed for working in town centres or in the city where the van has to be locked or things will go missing,if people don`t do this type of work there a waste of time having them IMO.
true, I dont work in the sticks really mostly built up areas, I may get a tazer next  ;D

I do the same as NWH, pull out as much as I need then lock the doors if I feel the need. But its rare!

I guess if your in a large city a tazer may be necessary LOL  ;D
added beinfit would be the rude people that see you and get in there cars and drive off, quick tazer and ak for the cheque there and then, I guess if I did this i would get free advertising in every national newspaper  :-\  ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 12, 2008, 12:53:55 am
You would need staff to run the business, work on their own initiative and visit you in prison once a week I would think  ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 12, 2008, 02:03:28 am
You would need staff to run the business, work on their own initiative and visit you in prison once a week I would think  ;D
SOUNDS GOOD TO ME, SKY TV, I THINK THEY WOULD OFFER ,ME THE PADDED SUITE aswell which is a result, 3 meals a day cooked for me no nagging from the wife easy job while there paid aswell.

NICE and they wonder why prisons are full, better than on the dole I guess
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 12, 2008, 07:36:03 am
And for people who go through the floor on the DIY route,it ruins the hose in no time i know someone that does this and his hose lasts no time at all.


I have a brass fitting - large diameter inlet from some plumbing application secured to the floor with all the edges smoothed (five minutes with a file) and have never had a problem yet. Why is it when someone asks how you have your reels people can not accept the answer? It works for me - no bending no lifting or scrabbling in the back of the van. Same as Kev R's reels work for him bolted to the roof. Some people.................. ::)
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: windowwashers on July 12, 2008, 10:56:01 am
And for people who go through the floor on the DIY route,it ruins the hose in no time i know someone that does this and his hose lasts no time at all.


I have a brass fitting - large diameter inlet from some plumbing application secured to the floor with all the edges smoothed (five minutes with a file) and have never had a problem yet. Why is it when someone asks how you have your reels people can not accept the answer? It works for me - no bending no lifting or scrabbling in the back of the van. Same as Kev R's reels work for him bolted to the roof. Some people.................. ::)
people have different points of view, if it works for you it all good  ;)
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: Kevin R on July 12, 2008, 01:56:48 pm
The only reason I bolted my reel in the roof was because I often do carpet cleaning then window cleaning or vice versa. Having the reel in the roof gives me more floor space for the carpet gear, yet still allows me to window clean from the van while fully loaded.

Its a solution to a problem thats all. If you were just window cleaning there would be no need for this.  ;D
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on July 12, 2008, 07:49:08 pm
me and marc (scud) were talking about that on friday gone
good place to mount one we thought :)
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: ftp on July 12, 2008, 08:02:06 pm
I notice your after a metal reel, i have one and if it's like mine they tend to be a bit unstable if you were to try and use it outside the van.
Title: Re: reel set up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on July 12, 2008, 08:44:19 pm
ftp  :)
you seem to know me but i dont recognise your name :(
all these  initials a bit confusing
i will probably go for wintecs reel cos it seems a good deal
no one replied to my other thread so i will just try it and see
worst thing about buying online
you dont get to check stuff out till it turns up
i reckon i will use a short length of hose from pump so i can work from rear and side doors then decide after a few weeks how best to set up