Level Wind Reels
Best Management of Long Cables
Level Winding Reels have demonstrated through years of use to be the safest and most reliable way to handle long
lengths of large cable. By winding a single layer of cable horizontally on a generous drum diameter, the cable expe-
riences minimum flexing and is exposed to maximum cooling, should that be a concern. Equipment speeds can be
slow, moderate or high with equally good performance. Cable guide is included. Reels can be shipped complete with
cable installed, or site mounted by others.
Monospiral Reels Best Low Reel Mounting
Monospiral cable reels are designed to stack cable in a single, multiple-layer vertical configuration. They are the
solution to applications involving large cables where lateral space may be limited. This narrow spool design, togeth-
er with proven VARI-MATIC drive reliability, makes monospiral reels ideal for service in any demanding environ-
ment. Monospiral reels are available for low, medium or high speed requirements. The monospiral design allows the
reel itself to act as a cable guide. Separate guides may be installed. Each monospiral reel is custom designed using
information that you supply regarding your specific application and environment.
About the Vari-Matic
®
Drive
VARI-MATIC FUNCTION
The Gleason VARI-MATIC drive provides a
reliable solution to the challenge of retrieving
and unwinding long lengths of valuable cable at
the demanding cycle rates of today’s
advanced machinery.
The VARI-MATIC drive consists of an eddy-
current clutch fitted with a standard squirrel
cage electric motor. This drive assembly will
withstand 100% stall and requires virtually
NO MAINTENANCE.
When energized, the VARI-MATIC drive pro-
vides a constant tension to the spool and cable
for as long as the machine is in motion. When
the machine is shut off and the VARI-MATIC
drive is de-energized, a reliable mechanical
brake holds the cable spool in place, preventing
unwinding of the cable.
The VARI-MATIC drive includes a controller
in a custom designed waterproof enclosure. All
necessary adjustments for the specific operation
are completed at the factory. Field adjustments
to suit application changes are easily accom-
plished without special equipment or personnel.
Typical Level Winding Reel
Level Winding reels provide the maximum in cable handling relia-
bility. Due to size of the drum and other components required to
achieve this reliability, proper location of the reel is very impor-
tant. Minimum cable bending is the goal at both the reel and the
anchor point. Gleason will be happy to provide assistance on your
request for specific application details.
Roller Guide Assemblies
Cable rollers guide assemblies are critical for
the proper management of cable being paid out
and retrieved in today’s demanding applica-
tions. Special attention has been given to
Gleason’s roller guide designs to insure the
optimum in efficiency and reliability at each
installation. Assemblies are matched to the
specific cable diameter and weight and
installed to suit the most demanding machine
speed and travel limits.
Typical Roller Guide Assembly
Low mounted Monospiral
Reel & terminal
Typical ship loader
installation (right)
Typical Level Winding Reel
and Turnover Anchor