HydraWINDER™

Integrated Hydraulic Retrieval / Payout

More Than Just a Reel Transport Bed

HydraWinder™- an innovative, patented, hydraulic retrieval and payout attachment for the RL Series HydraBed®. The HydraWinder™ is an option that equips your crews to safely and efficiently retrieve or payout cable and conduit from nearly any size reel. The compact unit features variable speed control and easily adjustable tire-to-reel contact pressure.


Crews and their managers benefit in many ways from the system’s unique ability to retrieve or payout from a large range of positions including from directly above a handhole or vault. In addition, the self-stowing, “always ready to work but never in the way” design of the HydraWinder™ offers substantial efficiency and safety to busy job sites and tight deadlines.

Download Installation Manual

2 YEAR

SYSTEM
WARRANTY

5 YEAR

STRUCTURAL
WARRANTY

Why Choose the HydraWINDER™

As a fully integrated cable winder, the HydraWinder transforms your RL Series HydraBed into a controlled, truck-mounted reel-handling solution. Instead of relying solely on a dedicated reel trailer, you can manage reel transport, payout, and retrieval directly from your truck, reducing setup time and improving job-site efficiency.


The compact unit features variable hydraulic speed control and easily adjustable tire-to-reel contact pressure, giving you precise control during payout and retrieval operations. Crews can benefit from the system’s ability to operate from a wide range of positions, including directly over a handhole or vault.


This capability makes the HydraWinder an effective reel winder for congested job sites where positioning flexibility and safety are critical. By keeping the reel aligned and tension controlled, the system helps minimize backlash, reduce cable damage, and maintain a steady workflow during installation or recovery.


The HydraWinder’s patented self-stowing design ensures it is always ready to work without interfering with valuable deck space. When not in use, it remains out of the way, supporting tight schedules and multi-tasking crews.


Compared to a standalone reel trailer cable winder, the HydraWinder offers a more integrated approach. By operating as a truck bed cable winder, it reduces the need for additional trailers, simplifies logistics, and improves maneuverability in urban, roadside, or off-road environments.


Designed to accommodate reel diameters from 30 inches to 102 inches, the HydraWinder functions as a versatile cable reel winder for utility and construction crews handling a wide range of cable and conduit types. Seamless integration with the RL Series HydraBed ensures reliable hydraulic performance and consistent control across operations.

Features

  • Quickly adapts from reel transport to winder
  • Self stowing – doesn’t interfere with valuable deck space
  • Variable hydraulic speed control
  • Assists in controlling cable backlash
  • Can be positioned directly over handhold/vault
  • Adjustable spring tension drive wheel assembly
  • Safely retrieve or payout cable and conduit
  • Accommodates Reel Diameter from 30″ to 102″
  • Variable tension provided by spring and tire
  • Payout or retrieve cable or conduit
  • Easily integrates with RL Series HydraBed®

HydraWinder™ FAQs

  • What is a hydraulic cable winder, and how does the HydraWinder work?

    A hydraulic cable winder uses the RL Series HydraBed’s controlled hydraulic power to retrieve or payout cable from a reel. The HydraWinder mounts to the RL Series HydraBed and applies adjustable tension and speed control for safe, precise operation.

  • What types and sizes of cable reels can the HydraWinder handle?

    The HydraWinder accommodates reel diameters ranging from 30 inches to 102 inches, supporting a wide variety of cable and conduit applications.

  • Can the HydraWinder be mounted on any truck bed?

    The HydraWinder is designed to integrate with the HydraBed RL Series, leveraging its hydraulic system and mounting architecture for optimal performance. Consult your dealer if you have a non-standard truck setup.

  • How does the HydraWinder compare to a reel trailer cable winder?

    Unlike a trailer-based system, the HydraWinder operates as a truck-mounted reel winder, improving maneuverability, reducing equipment needs, and increasing job-site efficiency.

  • Does the HydraWinder support both payout and retrieval?

    Yes. The HydraWinder is engineered for both controlled cable payout and safe retrieval operations.

  • Is the HydraWinder suitable for utility and fiber-installation crews?

    Yes. The HydraWinder is well-suited for utility, fiber, and underground construction crews requiring compact, reliable reel-handling capabilities.

  • Where can I buy the HydraWinder or find an authorized dealer?

    HydraWinder systems are available through HydraBed’s authorized dealer network. You can locate a dealer or request information directly through the HydraBed website.

Customer testimonials

“The addition of the HydraWinder to our RL Series Hydrabed has been huge for our crew. When we need to pull fiber through conduit or out of a handhole we no longer have to pack up a reel trailer. Because we are able to position the reel above a handhole we can eliminate awkward angles that need to be corrected with sheaves and pulleys."

Steve Sunderland (Former-Owner)

T-Ray Construction, Inc / Blaine, MN