Most commercial operations roll their hoses on
reels. Commercial operators can use the hoses
that apply pesticides nearly year round. To help
prevent spills in populated areas, there are a few
tips specifically for hoses used on reels:
•
Select hoses with burst strengths no less than
double the pump’s maximum pressure.
•
Replace all hoses (regardless of use) at least
every three years.
•
Each year, unroll every hose from the reel,
disconnect it from the reel, and reverse the
hose. If you have reusable couplers, cut off
about two feet of hose from each end. Hoses
experience the most wear at the shut-off valve.
Reversing and trimming hoses helps avoid hose
memory problems.
•
Install a hose guide on the reel.
•
Spray and wipe off a little lubricating oil on
the hose during reeling or unreeling. This
keeps the hose clean and helps it roll neatly
on the reel.
•
Lubricate the inside and outside hose covers
with hand soap to reduce the possibility of
hose barbs and couplers twisting or tearing
and causing bubbles in the outer cover.
•
Do not over tighten couplers.
Watch Your Hoses
Being careful where you run your
hoses is important for extending their
life and being safe.
Running hoses over sidewalks or
other high-traffic areas can damage
the hoses or injure people who might
trip over them.
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