Orbit Auto-Retractable Garden Hose Reel 28263 User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Orbit Auto-Retractable Garden Hose Reel (Model 28263) is designed for convenient and efficient garden watering. This wall-mounted system features an automatic rewind mechanism for a 100-foot, 5/8-inch hose, eliminating tangles and kinks. Its 180-degree swivel mount allows for extensive coverage, and the durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.

Orbit Auto-Retractable Garden Hose Reel, front view — Front view of the Orbit Auto-Retractable Garden Hose Reel, showcasing its compact design and integrated hose.

2. Safety Information

Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, during installation and maintenance.
Ensure the hose reel is securely mounted to a stable surface to prevent accidental detachment.
Do not allow children to play with the hose reel or hose. The retraction mechanism can be powerful.
Do not attempt to disassemble the hose reel mechanism. Refer to qualified service personnel for repairs.
Drain all water from the hose and reel before freezing temperatures to prevent damage.
Do not exceed the maximum operating pressure of 500 PSI.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:

Auto-Retractable Hose Reel Unit
100 ft. Garden Hose (5/8 in. diameter)
Hose Guide
8 ft. Connecting Leader Hose
Wall Bracket
Wall Mounting Hardware (screws, anchors)

Diagram of Orbit Hose Reel components — Detailed diagram showing the various components of the hose reel, including the adjustable stopper, UV-resistant housing, pop-up handle, wall bracket, heavy-duty grip, main handle, anti-theft feature, and 8-foot leader hose.

4. Setup and Installation

The Orbit Auto-Retractable Garden Hose Reel is designed for wall mounting. Follow these steps for secure installation:

Choose a Location: Select a sturdy wall surface (concrete, wood, masonry) near your water source. Ensure there is enough clearance for the reel to swivel 180 degrees.
Mount the Wall Bracket: Position the wall bracket at the desired height. Use a pencil to mark the drilling points through the bracket holes. Drill pilot holes appropriate for your wall type and the provided mounting hardware. Securely fasten the wall bracket to the surface.
Attach the Hose Reel: Align the hose reel with the mounted wall bracket. Slide the reel onto the bracket until it clicks into place. The design allows for easy attachment and removal for seasonal storage.
Connect the Leader Hose: Attach one end of the 8-foot leader hose to your outdoor spigot and the other end to the inlet connection on the hose reel. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
Connect the Garden Hose: The 100 ft. garden hose is pre-installed in the reel. Attach your desired watering accessory (not included) to the end of the garden hose.

Image showing easy-carry handles, smooth retraction system, and secure brackets of the Orbit hose reel. — The hose reel features easy-carry handles for portability, a smooth retraction system for tangle-free storage, and secure brackets for stable wall mounting.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Extending the Hose

To extend the hose, simply pull the hose gently to the desired length. The internal locking mechanism will engage automatically, holding the hose in place. You will hear a clicking sound as the hose extends and locks.

5.2 Retracting the Hose

To retract the hose, give it a short, firm tug. This will disengage the locking mechanism, and the hose will automatically and smoothly rewind into the reel. Guide the hose as it retracts to ensure it winds evenly and to prevent it from whipping.

This video demonstrates the smooth auto-retraction feature of the Orbit hose reel, showing how to extend and retract the hose effortlessly.

5.3 Swivel Functionality

The hose reel is designed to swivel 180 degrees on its wall mount. This allows you to direct the hose in various directions, providing access to different areas of your yard, garden, deck, or patio without repositioning the reel.

Orbit Hose Reel rotating 180 degrees — An illustration demonstrating the 180-degree swivel capability of the hose reel, allowing for flexible watering coverage.

6. Maintenance

Winter Storage: Before the first frost, disconnect the leader hose from the spigot and drain all water from both the leader hose and the main garden hose. Use the built-in handles to easily lift the hose reel off its wall bracket and store it in a protected area, such as a garage or shed, to prevent freezing damage.
Cleaning: Periodically wipe down the exterior of the hose reel with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The UV-resistant housing helps maintain its appearance.
Hose Inspection: Regularly inspect the hose for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace the hose if damage is found to ensure optimal performance and prevent water waste.
Connection Check: Ensure all hose connections (leader hose to spigot, leader hose to reel, garden hose to accessory) remain tight to prevent leaks. The brass threads on the garden hose are corrosion-resistant for durability.

Close-up of Orbit Hose Reel built-in handles — A close-up view of the built-in handles on the hose reel, designed for easy removal and transport for winter storage.

7. Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Hose does not retract fully or smoothly.	Hose is tangled or kinked inside the reel; debris obstructing the mechanism; retraction spring issue.	Pull out the entire hose length and then guide it back slowly to ensure proper winding. Check for visible obstructions. If the issue persists, contact customer support.
Water leaks from connections.	Loose connections; worn washers; damaged hose.	Tighten all connections. Replace worn rubber washers in couplings. Inspect the hose for damage and replace if necessary.
Reduced water pressure/output.	Hose diameter restriction; internal obstruction; spigot pressure issue.	Ensure the spigot is fully open. While the 5/8-inch hose is designed for good flow, any hose system can introduce some pressure drop. Check for kinks in the leader hose or main hose.
Hose does not lock when pulled.	Locking mechanism is dirty or damaged.	Gently pull and release the hose several times. Ensure the hose is clean. If the problem continues, contact customer support.

8. Specifications

Model Number: 28263
Hose Length: 100 feet
Hose Diameter: 5/8 inches
Burst Strength: 500 PSI
Material: Aluminum, Plastic, Polypropylene
Color: Grey, Blue
Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 24.12 x 12.99 x 20.28 inches
Item Weight: 30 Pounds
Installation Method: Wall Mount
Operation Mode: Automatic
Features: 180° Swivel Mount, UV-Resistant Housing, Corrosion Resistant Brass Threads, Non-Slip Grip

Hose specifications: 5/8 inch diameter and 100 feet length — Visual representation of the hose specifications, highlighting its 5/8-inch diameter and 100-foot length.

9. Warranty Information

Orbit products are manufactured to high-quality standards. This product is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For specific warranty terms, duration, and claim procedures, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Orbit website.

10. Customer Support

If you have any questions, require assistance with installation, operation, or troubleshooting, please contact Orbit Customer Support:

Website: Visit the official Orbit website for FAQs, product registration, and additional resources.
Phone: Refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging for direct support.
Email: Contact support via email for non-urgent inquiries.

Please have your model number (28263) and purchase date available when contacting support.

Orbit 28263