Proper Propane Hose Reel Maintenance Keeps Your Profits Flowing

Propane delivery companies rely on LP gas hose reels every day to dispense fuel in a safe and efficient manner, helping you provide better service by deploying quickly and filling customer tanks effortlessly. Mounted on the decks of bobtails and continuously exposed to the elements, a propane hose reel must withstand the harshest conditions. Wind, rain, snow, ice, mud, road salt, pollen, dust and grime take their toll on reels year-round. 

Hose reels also have many moving components, making them susceptible to wear and tear from weather, dusty and muddy customer sites, rough handling, mechanical friction, extreme temperatures and pressure, and simple everyday use. 

Together, these conditions can take a toll on bearings, swivel joints, chains, bolts and other internal components, causing permanent damage to the reel and requiring major repairs or replacement. 

Implementing consistent maintenance practices can help you extend the lives of hose reels, reduce downtime, minimize costly expenses and prevent further issues down the road. Additionally, proper maintenance checks ensure worker safety and make refueling stops more efficient. 

Regular Propane Hose Reel Maintenance Keeps the Fuel Flowing 

There are simple steps you can take to keep your hose reel working day after day. Make a quick visual inspection of the reel a part of your daily routine. Confirm that all connection points are snug, including the nozzle to the hose, the hose to the reel and the reel to the deck of the bobtail. 

To verify the reel itself is mechanically sound, you should make sure the frame is structurally stable and all visible bolts are fastened properly. It’s also important to carefully inspect the reels to pinpoint any corrosion or abrasion that may be occurring. 

You should also test the operation of the reel, observing how smoothly the hose unwinds from and retracts back onto the reel. Excessive friction when unwinding and rewinding the hose reel means individual components need to be addressed. 

Examining the Sum of Its Parts 

Not only should you examine the overall performance of your hose reel, you should pay close attention to all key parts that contribute to safe, effortless operation. 

Bearings support smooth, low-resistance unwinding and rewinding while fortifying the axle and managing high pressures; they should also be periodically maintained with a proper lubricant. It’s time to replace the bearings when the reel encounters significant resistance, makes a grinding or squealing noise, or vibrates excessively while rotating. 

Chain and sprockets on power rewind reels are key to a reel working when needed. Rusted or corroded links and excessive slack are causes for concern. The chain may need to be replaced if the reel jerks when used or makes excessive noise. 

Some fuel reels are available with a spring-powered rewind, automatically extending and retracting the hose while maintaining tension for the hose to be locked at a desired length. Tension adjustment may be necessary at times, but it also may be time to replace the spring if the retraction is weak or tension is lacking after adjustments are made. 

Even bolts need to be regularly inspected and addressed. They’re primarily used to securely mount the frame of the hose reel to the deck of the bobtail, but they also fasten various internal components within the reel assembly. Bolts must be checked regularly to ensure everything is tight and secure, and corroded bolts should be replaced immediately. 

Check the swivel joint often on your reel, making sure it is in proper working condition. Always follow the manufacturers’ recommendation on maintenance and lubrication. 

It’s important to note that hose reel parts should be maintained with approved lubricants and replaced with genuine parts from the reel manufacturer. High-performance reels are precisely designed, custom-manufactured and extensively tested to maximize the performance and life of your reel. 

Propane Hose Reel Maintenance Starts With Buying the Right Reel 

While regular maintenance can extend the life of your hose reel, selecting a reel built for rugged use initially can help minimize the service it needs over a lifetime. 

Not all hose reels are made the same, so you should select a reel specifically engineered for your fuel delivery operations. Standard reels are made of steel, but aluminum or stainless- steel options are available for highly corrosive environments. 

For reels with chain drives, optional guards are available to protect the chain from the elements and operators from an injury. 

By taking a few simple measures, you can improve performance and extend the lifetime of your fueling reel. Your entire business flows through it, so proper maintenance not only saves money on repairs and replacements but also reduces downtime that can impact your profits.