RL Series HYDRABED®
Safe, Dependable, Single-Operator Reel Handling
SAFE, EFFICIENT REEL HANDLING
The RL Series HydraBed® (also known as the ReelLift™) is engineered to load and transport cable reels weighing up to 5,000 lbs. Each bed includes a fully proportional control valve housed in a top body toolbox mounted at the rear corner of the bed, giving the operator precise, reliable control when handling reels, heavy materials, or equipment at the job site. A PTO-driven hydraulic pump is typically used to power the RL Series HydraBed®. Reel axle jaws are positioned at the end of the lift arms and are designed for safe, efficient operation by a single person.
The bed is designed to carry reels over the truck axle for maximum stability. Each RL Series HydraBed® comes standard with a 2.5" receiver hitch rated to 20,000 lbs. The auxiliary tool circuit can be used to operate tools requiring between 5 GPM and 11 GPM of flow and up to 2,200 psi. The RL Series HydraBed® can accommodate toolboxes on or under the deck. The open deck also allows for the transport of other materials and equipment. Using this cable reel lifter, one operator can easily, quickly, and safely load and transport conduit or cable without the need to pull a reel trailer.
5000 LB
LIFT CAPACITY
OIL FLOW
5.5 GPM AT 1000
TRUCK RPM
2200 PSI
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE
2/5 YEAR
SYSTEM/STRUCTURAL
WARRANTY
Hydraulic Cable Reel Lifting for Utility and Construction Applications
Handling large cable reels on active job sites demands controlled lifting, especially in tight spaces. Cable reel lifters raise and position heavy reels without manual handling, improving safety. Truck-mounted cable handling equipment systems are now standard, enabling precise movement without adding extra machinery to crowded utility and construction work zones.
The RL Series HydraBed™, also known as the ReelLift, is a hydraulic, truck-mounted cable reel handling system that allows reels to be loaded and transported directly on the vehicle used for the job. Its hydraulic lift system provides controlled, deliberate movement, which is especially important when positioning reels near trenches, handholes, or roadside infrastructure. Keeping the reel properly aligned and clearly visible from the operator’s position reduces the need for repeated adjustments once the reel is in place.
This system is built on HydraBed’s original hydraulic system designs, developed through continuous field use since 1983. That experience has shaped equipment intended for repeated daily operations that require consistent performance. Used as a reel loader, the ReelLift™ supports a more streamlined workflow by reducing staging time and minimizing the number of machines required to complete lifting and transport tasks on site.
Compared to transporting reels on a reel trailer, a truck-mounted cable reel loader offers practical advantages in tight or congested environments. You reduce setup time, improve maneuverability, and eliminate the need to manage an additional trailer, supporting faster deployment and more efficient job-site movement.
RL Series HydraBed® FAQs
What is the RL Series HydraBed®, and what types of jobs is it designed for?
The RL Series HydraBed® is a hydraulic, truck-mounted cable reel handling system designed for utility, fiber installation, electrical, and underground construction work. It allows crews to lift and transport cable reels directly on the truck used for the job. The RL Series is also commonly referred to as the ReelLift™.
What sizes and weights of cable reels can the RL Series HydraBed® handle safely?
Reel capacity depends on the specific RL Series HydraBed® configuration and hydraulic setup. Authorized HydraBed dealers can verify reel size and weight compatibility based on your application and vehicle configuration.
How does the RL Series HydraBed® compare to a traditional reel trailer?
Unlike a reel trailer, the RL Series HydraBed® operates as a truck-mounted solution, reducing setup time, improving maneuverability, and eliminating the need for additional reel-handling equipment on the job site.
Can the RL Series HydraBed® be mounted on different truck beds?
Mounting compatibility depends on the truck chassis, bed configuration, and hydraulic system. Because job requirements and vehicle setups vary, authorized HydraBed dealers review these details to confirm proper installation and safe operation of the RL Series HydraBed®
What safety features does the RL Series HydraBed® include?
Controlled hydraulic lift movement and stable reel positioning support safe loading, transport, and placement during daily operations. The patented positive close latch ensures the reel axle is instantly contained with no risk of losing keeper pins.
Is the RL Series HydraBed® suitable for fiber installation and underground crews?
Yes. The RL Series HydraBed® provides controlled, predictable hydraulic movement when lifting and transporting cable reels. Stable reel positioning and operator-controlled lift functions help reduce sudden movement, supporting safer operation in active job-site environments.
Where can contractors purchase the RL Series HydraBed® or find an authorized dealer?
The RL Series HydraBed® is available through HydraBed’s authorized dealer network. Dealer locations and contact information are available on the HydraBed website.
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