[David Beecroft]

Hi Everyone, I'm looking for advice from anyone who has experience in using a power reel. For years I've used a stand alone reel with wheels. I've felt the advantage of this type of reel is their versatility,  ie taking the reel to the furthest point and wheeling it back to the van or not having to worry about parking the van in a particular position or direction to give the hose a clear run. However I'm now at the point of renewing them.
A few questions, does the reel being fixed cause a lot of inconvenience? (snagging on corners, tyres etc) Can you wipe the hose clean as it rewinds without it interfering with its "action"? How does it affect the battery performance?  Has the cost been worth it in time and effort saved? Which make would you recommend and why?
I'm sure I'll come up with more questions but I would appreciate everyone's input.   

[David Beecroft]

Does nobody recommend them?

[SeanK]

To be honest I don't think many have used them, theres a couple of users on here and from what they have said they seem
happy enough.
Manually reeling the hose in is one of the few things in wfp that doesn't really annoy me, all the snagging and other crap that comes
with using hoses wont change with a power reel if anything it might cause more problems as it wont stop when you have a
pensioner tugging on the line.

[PCM LTD]

My guess is you have been buying the typically crap hose reels that most window cleaning suppliers sell. There are absolutely not fit for purpose and are a  waste of £89.99 with or without wheels!

They fall apart, nuts and bolts come undone, wheels fall off plastic bushes disintegrate and are hard to wind in.

Grippatank, X- line Systems, Window Cleaning Warehouse you should all hang your heads in shame for selling such crap.

Just go to the Gardiners website and buy a Hi-Vis 100 Hot Water Hose Reel from Koreel. for £159.00

It has proper bearings, it is built to last, takes hot water with no problem. It winds in so easy you don't need an electric reel...trust me.

[Clever Forum Name]

Currently have two electric hose reels in my van.

Cox reel full setup costing about £1300-1500

Also had fitted today a

PowerUP HD reel. Costing £500-£600

Obviously both fixed to van. I also have a hose roller system. So van doors are locked up.

After using elec reels. Would NEVER ever go back to manual.

I have three MANUAL Cox reels at a cost of £330 each plus vat plus fitting kits and I still wouldn't reel in manually. Not on your nelly.

[dave f]

 I have a power up reel wouldent be with out it

[Ian101]

I have 2 of the powerup reels from waterworks ... best purchase in a long time ... saves time and effort .. never go back to manual

[ashbash]

I had a power up reel and lasted a month with it and sold it. A waste of money imo

[p1w1]

I have 2 of the powerup reels from waterworks ... best purchase in a long time ... saves time and effort .. never go back to manual

can you still fit 100mt of hose on the reels

[David Beecroft]

That' :)s great to hear from you guys, any comments on the questions I asked? I guess the answers might  seem obvious if you use them daily but these are the concerns I have and nobody locally uses power reels.
£1k investment is a lot to me and I cant afford to waste it.

[tlwcs]

Mines being fixed
I had the add on from waterworks purchased from the window cleaning warehouse when then had them on offer for £199. I also bought a new reel, petal style as the add won't fit to the  caliber reel.

No instructions on the reel assembly but managed by watching the waterworks and Mark Manro utube vids.
Could not get the reel to run straight so rang (Saturday) the waterworks helpline who guided me through how to straighten it . I fecked it up. I was told the plastic cones that damage as you adjust , we're not available to buy,  but cleaning spot sell them.
Two mates that are mechanics have it to replace the plastic cones with purpose made nylon bushes. I will post a picture when it's done.

I bought it from a recommendation off Bob Plum who raves about it.
When Bob knew I was having problems he offered to drive the 200 mile round trip to sort it for me, just to give "the van a run"

Bob Plum, top man.
Tony

[NWH]

I'm getting one I'm in the middle of choosing between the Cox reel and power up the new power up not the original,I've come to the conclusion that reeling hose in day after day is harder on the arms and shoulders and back more than cleaning the windows. I've mounted my reel at shoulder height which has made easier but it's still hard work.

[trafficjamz]

I've got a  couple of 10 year old hannay reel. Built like a tank those reels and not showing their age.  I'm now wondering that they might have a power add on ....hmmmmm

[Ian101]

I have 2 of the powerup reels from waterworks ... best purchase in a long time ... saves time and effort .. never go back to manual

can you still fit 100mt of hose on the reels

98 metres i managed to get on then catches on the motor

[David Beecroft]

 Can you wipe the hose clean as the reel rewinds without it interfering with its "action" ? 

[Clever Forum Name]

Yes on both reels i have. The cox reel you could have ten people wiping it and it would steel reel 

[David Beecroft]

Thats good to know, How does it affect the battery performance?   

[Clever Forum Name]

Thats good to know, How does it affect the battery performance?   

The Cox reel would need its own battery TBH.

People rate power up HD. I will know this week.

[David Beecroft]

I'd be interested in our you find the power reel.
Has the expense been worth it in time and effort saved, has it paid for itself in increased productivity?

[Clever Forum Name]

I'd be interested in our you find the power reel.
Has the expense been worth it in time and effort saved, has it paid for itself in increased productivity?

I had the start of rota cuff damage on my reeling arm so considering i am still working pain free i would say a bit fat yes