Portable hose reel systems, such as the Hamersley Reel System by Crusader Hose, are not just about efficiency. They significantly enhance safety, reduce wear and tear, and improve overall operations. Designed to meet the demands of productivity KPIs, the Hamersley Reel System ensures that mining operators can deploy and retrieve hoses optimally, providing a secure and protected work environment.
Proudly Australian-owned and operated, Crusader Hose has been manufacturing flexible layflat overland pipelines for over 37 years. Although our first reel system was designed at the start of the new millennium, the last half-decade has seen immense growth in its engineering and fabrication capabilities. The Hamersley Reel System, designed to handle large-diameter hose, eliminates the need for manual handling during pipeline deployment and retrieval. It is unique compared to other industrial hose reel systems available in the market today.
Industrial hose reel system developed for mining
The Hamersley Reel System, a product of Crusader Hose’s innovative approach, was first developed and tested over 10 years ago in the Pilbara, a region known for its large mines and the iconic Hamersley Range. The reel system acquired its name based on its successful development.
The Hamersley Reel System consists of a reel drive unit (RDU) and reels, and it is mine-large: large enough to wind up to 200 metres of 12” layflat hose or hundreds of metres of cable or cord. The RDU can accommodate two reel sizes: 1800 mm and 2400 mm. The adjustment can be made easily with simple equipment: an Allen key, spanner, and torque wrench.
The RDU unit is manufactured with high-quality steel, including hardened steel. It is hydraulically driven and easy to handle.
Crusader Hose first came to prominence in the early 2000s due to its contract with the Australian Army. The military is always on the move, and it needed a reeling system to deploy and retrieve 30 kilometres of fuel pipe in a day.
The army’s need to transport large volumes of fuel across Australia’s rugged country or bushland to the frontline is critical. Vehicles and fixed—or rotary-wing aircraft consume large volumes of fuel, and the closer refuelling can occur to the battlefront, the more strategic an advantage it is.
After many months of negotiations and planning meetings, Crusader Hose successfully designed and delivered a fuel hose and reeling system that met the army’s objectives of efficiency, rapid deployment, and ease of handling. It is still in use today.
Crusader Hose is a pioneering Australian manufacturer that has directed its capabilities toward mine dewatering. Many advantages of laying fuel pipelines quickly and efficiently also apply to moving water at mine sites.
Using a reel system can offer several advantages, including improved safety, reduced wear and tear, and enhanced efficiency.
Improve safety
Reel systems remove the need for manual handling. By mechanising the rolling out and rolling up of the overland pipeline, musculoskeletal stress and strain can be reduced.
Reels keep hoses and cables neatly wound reducing the risk of tripping hazards. Organised pipelines/cables are also less likely to be damaged by equipment or foot traffic.
Reels allow controlled deployment and retrieval. They prevent sudden uncontrolled movements of heavy hoses and cables that could cause injuries.
Reduced wear and tear
Reel systems assist with even distribution. They ensure that hoses and cables are evenly wound and unwound preventing kinks and bends that can lead to damage.
By keeping pipelines off the ground when not in use, reels reduce the abrasion that occurs from dragging them across rough surfaces.
Enhanced efficiency
Reels allow for faster and more efficient deployment and retrieval, saving time during setup and teardown of equipment.
Space management
Reels help manage space more effectively by keeping work areas clear and organised which can improve workflow and reduce downtime.
Why choose Crusader Hose
The Hamersley Reel System has gained acceptance by some of the large iron ore mines in the Pilbara, which seek a safe, efficient, and cost-effective system. The Hamersley is but one of the four different reel systems available from Crusader Hose. Best of all, these reel systems are Australian Made. Contact us for more information.