[matt]

how much do you normally use

i know you will be able to get 100 M on a reel, but how much do you use, i would like to cut down on the weight of it ( as it might be lifted in and out of the van )

50 M ? ? ?  75 m ? ? ?

cheers

[Bobs Window Cleaning]

I dont think I use much but a post i remember suggested unwinding the hose and reconnecting the other end to the reel.

Great idea and why forums are handy.


Bob

[Nathanael Jones]

I've jobs in a few places where if I park in just the right spot the full 100mtrs just about reaches the whole street, so I wouldn't want any less personally.

[Window Washers]

I said about 50, but as Nat just said some houses we clean we can be all out with 100mtrs, you could always go for 50 on each reel will help your hernia I guess for now

[matt]

I said about 50, but as Nat just said some houses we clean we can be all out with 100mtrs, you could always go for 50 on each reel will help your hernia I guess for now

yes good call

though i will have my sack truck in the van aswell, so i could just pull that out and wheel it and plug in the hose

interesting that 50 M seems to be the most popular though

[Justen Uff]

I use 2  75m reels (cut down from 100m) of minibore on extra light hose reels.  I use 75m constantly, if I need more I hook them up together.  Very easy to lift.
 

[Nathanael Jones]

I've seen ppl using 30 mtr sections, not even on a reel. Its lightweight, and small enough to wrap up quickly,.. just have 3 or 4 lengths in the van for when you need the longer run?

[pjulk]

I use over 50 mtrs often and sometime the full 100mtrs.

I used to have 50mtrs on my reel but it was not long enough for some jobs.

[windowswashed]

200m, saves moving the van so much.

[Jeff Brimble]

Algarde is a tad lighter than the B&Q stuff you use Matt.

[ftp]

I don't think i've lifted my hose reel out of the van for the last eighteen months. If i can't get the van at the right angle then i'll estimate how much hose i need and spool it off before i walk. If it's a quiet road i can cross over and work too. I'd rather make the van do the work and reposition it than fight with the hose around parked cars.
If your used to a trolley i think you'll hate yanking a hose about to start with - you get used to it with no lifting ever 

[AuRavelling79]

I reduced my reel from 100m to 80m due to weight.

One school and one old peoples home makes me wish I hadn't but I have a 20metre pole hose extension hung in the van which I can use if necessary.

[richywilts]

so what technique does everyone use do u go round to the furthest away window and work back or start at the front for example n pull more hose as u need?

[AuRavelling79]

so what technique does everyone use do u go round to the furthest away window and work back or start at the front for example n pull more hose as u need?

Generally, furthest point and work back.

[matt]

interesting that 35.9% use only 50 M, as this was the size i was thinking of

[steve a]

Mainly commercial, 100mtrs, start at the farthest window and work back, don't lift hose reels out of van as they are screwed down.

[Chameleon]

I have 50 meters of minibore on reel, bolted down!
I would say I only ever use 35-40 meters

I used to have 100 meters of microbore!

I only do domestic, and any awkward ones, I use the back-pack!

Nat... I used to run my hose along the road like that, until some idiot said... "I could sue you for that"!
I don't know if he was joking or not!
Now I don't take any chances!
I heard someone got sued over a trip on a hose! :

[AJ]

get more than 1 reel with less hose, just connect as many as you need. then you don't have to lift as much

[matt]

thanks for the replies

my plan is as follows

i have a 400 L tank in the van, a sack truck with battery , a empty 25 L barrel and a sub pump to pump from 400 L tank to barrel

keep in mind my round is very compact, i do most houses in the roads / streets i work, so i park up the van once and it stays put, i used to pop back to the van and change the barrel over for a full barrel, now i plan to just refill the barrel, i have a 14 L per min sub pump, thus 2 mins refill time ( i can live with that )

the hose will be for the bigger jobs i have that i can park on the drive, also for 1 area that is set in a valley and has houses with steps up to the garden, park cart in front and pull out some hose and clean away

i plan to use 6mm micro pipe, which i hope will not be too heavy with the water in

i do plan to get used to the hose on the bigger houses or 1 off houses that i do and then if its easier i will use a hose for all my work, though the thought of moving my van every 2 or 3 houses really doesnt do it for me

[ftp]

I've given this some thought Matt, and i've just come up with a solution to your problems of lifting heavy barrels of water :
Invest in some really lightweight ladders and a light squeege like the wagtail flipper and off you go.
What a great invention - no more heavy dangerous water anymore.