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When it comes to hose reels for exhaust gas extraction, it is easy to assume that “one is as good as another”. Yet a closer look at the technologies available on the market shows that construction details can make a substantial difference to both performance and safety.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the technical features of WORKY’s GMR mechanical rewind hose reels, highlighting how specific engineering choices have enabled the range to go beyond the standard commonly found on the market.
The importance of an exhaust gas extraction hose reel in the Automotive sector
Extracting the toxic gases produced by vehicles during testing or maintenance is both a legal requirement and a health and safety necessity. A poor-quality system is not only more likely to break down, leading to expensive spare parts, but can also create higher pressure drops that reduce extraction capacity, leaving harmful exhaust gas residues in the workplace.
This is where WORKY engineering has introduced crucial innovations.
Airflow management: +20% efficiency
One of the most critical aspects of traditional exhaust gas extraction hose reels is how the airflow is managed inside the metal structure. In most competing products, the internal connection is made through a flexible hose that crosses from one side of the reel to the other, creating additional pressure drops.
The connection of the flexible extraction hose is usually made with a relatively sharp bend. Over time, gravity and wear tend to compress the first section of the hose, creating restrictions and turbulence.
The custom-made elbow design
WORKY has solved this issue at the source with a complete redesign. With the GMR+ model, WORKY introduced a custom-made, variable-section elbow specifically developed to convey exhaust gases in a more direct and aerodynamic way.
The result is tangible:
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Removal of the internal flexible hose: this eliminates a component that creates unnecessary pressure drops and friction. Tests show that this simple design choice reduces pressure loss by 20%.
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System optimisation: lower pressure drops mean that the central extractor can operate more efficiently, or that a higher extraction performance can be achieved with the same power
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Longer service life for the flexible hose, which connects to the reel more gradually through an inlet that does not restrict the connection over time.
Structural strength: steel and reinforced nylon
An exhaust gas hose reel has a demanding working life. It is pulled, released, knocked and sometimes exposed to high temperatures. Mechanical resistance is not optional.
The supporting structure
The GMR+ series stands out for its high-strength steel structure, protected with an epoxy powder coating. This ensures the unit can withstand corrosion and the wear typically found in industrial environments. The different drum sizes ensure that every hose length, from 7.5 metres to 15 metres, can be fully rewound by its dedicated spring.
The advanced flexible hose
Not all hoses are the same. The GMR+ model supplied complete with hose is fitted with an anti-crush reinforced rubber hose resistant up to 200°C. The real innovation, however, lies in the reinforcing spiral. WORKY has developed a thicker nylon spiral than the standard solution, giving the hose two essential characteristics:
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Total crush resistance: even if the hose is accidentally stepped on by a vehicle or a person, the thicker nylon spiral allows it to return to its original shape without permanent damage.
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Greater robustness: while maintaining the flexibility operators need, the structure is stronger and more durable.
Ergonomics and safety: the new hose stopper and lightweight discs
Daily usability is what operators appreciate most. A system that jams, slips or feels heavy to handle slows down work in the workshop.
The redesigned hose stopper
A common issue with standard mechanical rewind hose reels is the slipping of the hose stopper, the component that prevents the hose from retracting completely. WORKY has introduced a safety stopper made from a much softer material, combined with an improved clamping design that grips the hose spiral and does not break even after decades of repeated impacts.
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Superior grip: the soft material “bites” into the hose spiral far more firmly, preventing unwanted downward slipping.
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Shock absorption: when the hose rewinds quickly and the stopper hits the structure, the soft material cushions the impact, protecting both the hose and the reel.
Plastic discs vs metal discs
Contrary to what many might expect, the use of high-resistance plastic side discs is an upgrade compared with metal.
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Weight reduction: the lighter structure reduces the load on the supports and makes installation easier.
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Lower wear on the locking tooth: maintaining the correct friction over time is essential for the locking pawl. Plastic discs reduce wear on the latch system, ensuring that the hose reel always locks at the desired height with confidence.
Accessories and installation: complete flexibility
The WORKY GMR+ exhaust gas extraction hose reel range is designed to adapt to every workshop configuration. The installation system includes specific brackets that allow mounting not only on load-bearing beams, but also on columns or non-load-bearing walls, ensuring safety and stability.
The system is also modular and can be integrated with:
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Microswitch: for automatic start-up of the remote extractor as soon as the hose is unwound. This delivers significant energy savings, as extraction is activated, and above all deactivated, only when needed.
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Wide range of nozzles: without a nozzle that connects to the vehicle exhaust pipe, the hose reel becomes almost useless. WORKY offers a broad range of nozzles, including rubber, metal and clamp-on options, to suit the different types of vehicle exhaust pipes currently on the market.
Why choose a WORKY mechanical rewind exhaust gas hose reel?
When compared with the market standard, choosing a product such as the WORKY GMR+ translates into clear economic and operational advantages.
While many products simply provide a hose that unwinds, WORKY has analysed the real pain points experienced by operators: hoses that collapse and reduce extraction performance, stoppers that slip and make the nozzle difficult to reach, pressure drops that require very powerful extractors and increase energy consumption, and hose lengths that fail to meet workshop needs.
The answer is technical:
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+20% fluid-dynamic efficiency thanks to the rigid elbow.
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Longer service life thanks to the thicker nylon spiral and soft-touch materials.
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Mechanical reliability thanks to lightweight components and a precise locking system.
Investing in advanced exhaust gas hose reels is not only a matter of regulatory compliance. It is a step towards a more efficient, safer and more professional workshop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main advantage of the rigid elbow compared with an internal flexible hose?
The rigid elbow designed by WORKY eliminates the internal flexible hose, which can increase pressure drops. This improves extraction power and efficiency while helping to prevent restrictions in the exhaust gas flow.
Are WORKY hose reels resistant to accidental hose crushing?
Yes. The GT2 hose supplied with WORKY exhaust gas extraction hose reels features a reinforced nylon spiral that is thicker than the standard solution. This makes it crush-proof, allowing it to recover its original shape even if stepped on, and helps ensure a much longer service life.
How does the hose locking system work?
The system uses a spring-operated mechanical rewind mechanism. When the hose is unwound, a pawl locks onto the toothed sector to prevent unwanted retraction. A further pull releases the pawl, allowing the spring to rewind the hose onto the drum. The soft-material hose stopper prevents slipping and cushions the impact during rewind.
Can the extractor start-up be automated with these hose reels?
Yes. One of the available accessories is a microswitch that can be installed on the hose reel, also with Wi-Fi technology. This device detects when the hose is unwound and sends a signal to automatically start the centralised extractor, optimising energy consumption by running the system only when needed.
