We all have that one elusive hose that we use regularly and is always in the way because the water spigot is too close to a fence for proper storage, or coiling up the hose always results in unwanted kinks and folds. Personally I am incredibly tired of trying to get my yard hose out of the way every time I need pull it out to water the garden, or mow the lawn. I only have a 20-inch clearance between two fences to access the one water spigot I have in the back of the house so I feel like I’m always tripping over it one way or another. As it is I have just enough room to reach in there to turn it on and off as needed. However I am seriously rejoicing right now because I recently stumbled across this great little company that specializes in hose reels, and their choices are more than helpful for hose accessibility and storage in unique spots. Below is an overview of the Eley Company and their durable line of hose reels that can meet just about any need you may have.
Table of Contents
ELEY HOSE REEL COMPARISONS CHART
IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | |
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Wall Mount Garden |
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CHECK THE PRICE | |
Portable Garden |
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CHECK THE PRICE | |
Free Standing Garden |
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CHECK THE PRICE | |
Wood Post Mount Garden |
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CHECK THE PRICE | |
Aluminum Post Mount Garden |
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CHECK THE PRICE |
THE ELEY CORPORATION
In 1990 a series of yard care related products and accessories were introduced to the market by a midwestern family run business to help meet some of the unique needs of lawn and garden care. Their durable, long-lasting quality hose reels have become a standard in the industry, allowing the company to go global, but still hold the customer service standard expected from a small family run business.
MATERIALS
Only high quality materials are used in the construction of the Eley products. Hose reels are made specifically for performance and durability in order to be a lasting product. As the highest rated reel on the market, all products are made with an aluminum reel with rust-proof metal construction including stainless steel hardware, oversized tubular frames, and powder coated finishes. The tires used in some of the models are also flat-free, making them more affordable and hassle free through the years of use you will get out of them. Connections from reel to hose are also of solid brass construction for ease of removal without worry of thread locking that can occur with other metal materials. Each reel also comes with a 6 foot leader hose made of durable polyurethane in order to get into those hard to reach spaces and make accessibility to your hose and hose storage that much more convenient. Reel brakes are also included on all models, as are tire brakes on those that have tires.
ASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE
Each model comes with it’s own assembly, installation, and maintenance booklet to help guide you through putting your new reel together, and to provide options for left or right hand rewinding, as well as different mounting options to best meet your needs. Quad wheel kits are also available for the cart versions to make areas where terrain may make stability a concern easy to maneuver through. Eley also offers an extra capacity kit for those of you who have extra lengths of hose that need a place to live when not in use.
WARRANTY AND RETURNS
All of The Eley Corporation hose reels are backed by a 10 year guarantee to be free from defects, malfunction or failure in workmanship, under normal use. Some exceptions do surround seasonal exposure and types of water used, such as those that leave behind mineral deposits as it is up to the buyer to rinse and keep the parts clean due the the corrosive nature of this factor. Be sure to review their policy upon purchase, as it is very simple and straightforward in nature and very transparent concerning responsibility.If within 30 days of purchase you are unhappy with your product choice, then you may return your reel hassle-free with no hidden charges or restocking fees. However, you must have purchased it direct from the Eley corporation, and all shipping charges will be your responsibility. They do give you 45 days to have it returned after making the initial claim.
WHAT TIPS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASE
Despite their generous trial period offer, in order to save yourself some shipping costs to return or exchange, consider a few of the following details to make sure you get what you need. Their website offers both online assembly and mounting booklets, as well as trouble shooting videos and online help in order to look over the products you are considering in advance. Plus, as a family run company their customer service is available during normal weekly business hours in order for you to speak directly with a representative to help you with any questions you may have.
What Is Your Hose Length?
Consider what hose lengths you will be using with your reel of choice in order to determine if the reel is large enough to handle the length, or if you may need an extra capacity kit. Although the reels are pretty generous in their capacity, knowing in advance your needs, or future needs, can make your shopping experience much easier.
Where is Your Water Spigot Located?
As mentioned, where your spigot is located has much to do with your reel needs. Although Eley offers some unique mounting capabilities and problem solving for those hard to reach, or out of the way spigot locations, taking measurements and getting an idea of the lay of the land is suggested in advance.
What Mounting Materials Do You Have or Need?
Do you have a place to mount a reel, or do you need the materials in order to do so? Also consider, if mounting is not an option, where you can place a cart for accessibility.
ELEY HOSE REEL DIFFERENCES
WALL MOUNT GARDEN HOSE REEL
- Mountable: Yes
- Changeable Mounting Directions: Yes
- Hose Capacity: 100-150′
- Extra-Capacity Kit Compatible: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
PROS
- Smooth winding capability
- Easy to install with instructions
- Fits well into challenging spaces
CONS
- Not for use with a power washer
- Not drinking water safe
- Not good for 24” stud width
PORTABLE GARDEN HOSE REEL CART
- Warranty: 2 years limited
- Cutting diameter: 22’’
- Engine size: 139cc
- Line Size: .155″
PROS
- Very easy to move
- Adjustable brake system for stability
- Very durable cart construction
CONS
- May not take a heavier constructed hose
- May be unstable when filled with water
- Difficult assembly
FREE STANDING GARDEN HOSE REEL
- Mountable: Yes
- Changeable Mounting Directions: No
- Hose Capacity: 100-150 ‘
- Extra-Capacity Kit Compatible: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
PROS
- Can be mounted to a flat surface
- Easy assembly
- Well balanced
CONS
- Low to the ground
- Must hand guide the hose
- Not heavy enough when unwinding
WOOD POST MOUNT GARDEN HOSE REEL
- Mountable: Yes
- Changeable Mounting Directions: Yes
- Hose Capacity: 100-150 ‘
- Extra-Capacity Kit Compatible: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
PROS
- Easy to assemble
- Provides a customizable mount for location
- Winds easily both left and right
CONS
- Not for use with a power washer
- Not drinking water safe
ALUMINUM POST MOUNT GARDEN HOSE REEL
- Mountable: Yes
- Changeable Mounting Directions: No
- Hose Capacity: 100-150 ‘
- Extra-Capacity Kit Compatible: Yes
- Warranty: 10 years
PROS
- Incredible Durability
- Easy to install
- Easy to reel up and pull out
CONS
- Only mounts one way
- One size height
CONCLUSION
The Eley Corporation has proven itself in hose reel construction and accessories for the yard and garden through the years with a dependable, and sturdy line of products. They have an incredible list of positive ratings with very few complaints, none concerning the actual use of the product itself that doesn’t have either the full backing of the company, or an easy solution to its remedy. As far as hose reels go, this is a product that is mentioned multiple times by consumers that will last a lifetime. If you have been looking for a durable product, have a unique mounting situation, or are tired of replacing less expensive hose reels, this is definitely a company you should check out.
We recently purchased the Eley hose reel cart. My husband was so impressed with the quality & how extremely easy it was to assemble and comes with step by step instructions. I found it very stable and our yard is not level. Eley website states that it IS drinking water safe. No more frustration with hoses. It is awesome!