Nearly every repair shop has air hoses installed for technicians to utilize pneumatic tools – an essential aspect of business. A common nuisance many technicians face is air hoses strewn across the shop’s floor, creating a potentially hazardous environment prone to causing someone to trip. JD Goad, owner of Goad’s Body Shop located in Lexington, Virginia, says it’s “extremely nice not having air hoses laying on the floor as a trip hazard, and not having to roll them up after use,” thanks to the Macnaught Retracta R3 with RACR (Retracta Adjustable Control Return) hose reel.
Goad appreciates the packaging that the Retracta R3 was housed in. “[The Retracta R3 packaging] has nice handles on the box to carry [the reel] until it is used. Also, on the inside lid is a template for drilling holes for installation. Very well thought out packaging,” he says.
Included within the packaging are instructions, which Goad attests are detailed, easy to read, and well written.
Goad notes that the top of the housing of the hose reel is partially open. This affords users the ability to hold and carry the unit during installation, a function Goad says is “very handy and thoughtful.” He did mention that he was first concerned about durability with the partial plastic housing, but this issue was partially alleviated by the company’s 10-year warranty. He noted that his concern could be further assuaged should the housing be made of a type of metal.
“Use and installation are self-explanatory,” Goad says. “The RACR mechanism works smoothly and flawlessly. It is very easy to adjust tension. It works great.”
The RACR system utilizes an adjustable hydraulic clutch that allows users to set the speed of hose return. Goad claims that the retractable mechanism on other hose reels he has used in the past have been “clunky” and did not work well. “This one is light years ahead of versions I have used in the past,” he notes.
Goad’s favorite features of the Retracta R3 include the hose’s easy maneuverability and flexibility.
Overall, Goad gives the Macnaught Retracta R3 with RACR a solid review and is pleased the hose reel creates a safer and more efficient environment for his shop.
