Perhaps it may help to raise the hose reel by fixing it to a bench or box or something similar. Another alternative may be to cut the hose (adding joiners) and use 2 hose reels, the second one placed half way up the yard, then you're only dealing with half of the weight when reeling-in.

Thanks Snavir, I'm going to try to get my DH to figure out something for me. It isn't practical to split the hose for my area, would have to buy a lot more hose and reels! LOL!

I got a flat hose that i saw advertised on one of those late night TV ads, and it turns out it's fantastic. Much lighter than a regular hose, with same flow, and reels much more easily. Rather pricey, but guaranteed for life, I think they said (at least as long as the company survives!). I love it.

I got a curly hose for under $20.00. It is much lighter and easier for me to tug around the yard. When I'm done with it, it curls itself up in a little heap. It isn't as tidy as having a hose reeled up, but it is just so much easier for me to handle that it is worth having it look a little disorganized.

Blessings,
Applewood Annie

I now have the hose problem handled very well although not very frugal....On QVC they sell a hose reel that works like a water wheel powered winding device. You just hook it to your water tap, pull the hose you need out and use...then when you are finished you pull up on a handle and it totally rewinds itself! Super fantastic. I didn't believe it could be that great but dear husband said he didn't know why it wouldn't so we tried....best thing I ever got for my garden and flower beds...oh yes, the price was about $75 but I would have paid twice that if I had known how well it worked...just had to share!

It is called the Hydro Industries Auto Rewind Hose Reel. AMAZING! Look for it at the HOME DEPOT. Changed my life. No batteries. No Electricty

wwww.hydro-industries.com

Hi,
I'm Johnny and need your help for
some research on garden irrigation.
If you'd like to help out, tell me
how you irrigate your plants. Do you use hoses?
How many? How long? Do you use a hose reel,
cart or sink? How many?
Thanks for your help.
Johnny
Hydro-Industries