Super/Hive Carrier

[madasafish]

The ideal would be a wheelbarrow modified with a wide front wheel..to avoid sticking in mud, lightweight construction and a floor which is horizontal when the barrow is underway..

I do that with my garden barrow by putting in a wedged floor..removeable .

Costs nothing as scrap wood and works very well...

 

[Finman]

.
You do not need to go into every mud pool

.

 

[Quis Custodiet]

.
You do not need to go into every mud pool

.

They are but children, Finnie !

 

[alldigging]

We moved hives from one end of the allotment to the other by strapping the hive together and then strapping it to a short ladder.
One person at each end of the ladder and away they went. I think at one point we had two at one end and one at the other. I am not particularly strong though.

 

[Beefriendly]

Problem with having two wheels is that the barrow dips left and right over bumps on uneven ground.

Quite true and well put. But 2 wheels balances the load out beautifully when you use the hoist function to lift a heavy hive onto the back of a pickup truck, or off it. Going with a weight at heavy weight at head height on one wheel is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Beefriendly]

We moved hives from one end of the allotment to the other by strapping the hive together and then strapping it to a short ladder.
One person at each end of the ladder and away they went. I think at one point we had two at one end and one at the other. I am not particularly strong though.

Great when there are two of you to move things around....how would you approach it on your lonesome?
That is the problem I have most of the time.....yes just call me "Billy No Mates"..

 

[sjt]

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401364301955

I have one of those barrows, works great. Mine came from Coopers, mail order/online catalogue rather than ebay

 

[bontbee]

something like this?

Not pretty, but free! I think the slots are for a hive strap to pass through, but I've never used them...

 

[Millet]

something like this?

Not pretty, but free! I think the slots are for a hive strap to pass through, but I've never used them...

That is exactly what i was thinking about making.

 

[drex]

I did my conversion of an old wheelbarrow a couple of years ago, much as bontbees pictures, but put a bit of 3x2 between the front cross member and the board. That keeps the hive level, especially when the handles are lifted. Works a treat. Never had to strap any of the hives I have moved on it.

 

[peterbees]

I use a Walsall wheelbarrow, which I have converted into a bee barrow.
I removed the pan and bolted a National hive wooden floor to the frame. I now use mesh floors, so I have lots of old wooden floors available.
I fitted a timber rim around three sides of the floor, to hold the hive in place. and I fitted a solid tyre. I had had enough of punctures in a pneumatic tyre.
The hive (brood and a half) is strapped up with two Spanset straps. I use a third Spanset strap to strap the hive to the bee barrow. The roof can be carried loose on the strapped hive.
I can move full supers three at a time, again with one strap. It works a treat. The barrow can be laid on top of hives in the car, removing the wheelbarrow wheel if necessary.

 

[maddydog]

Treat yourself to a Kaptarlift.[/url]

Still a fan?

As my numbers expand I need to sort the manual handling side. I work alone for the most part so even simple 'quick' jobs like inserting a clearer board become a pain when shifting 2-3 supers per hive. Not to mention vertical AS with 14x12.
I'm guessing moving the trolley around plus clamping and lifting takes a little extra time but if it saves my back I can live with it. Do you know what sort of price they're as I couldn't see it on their website? There is a Slovenian version for around 550 euros.

 

[Beefriendly]

Still a fan?

.

Absolutely.
The only thing I want to change is the axle length. If you look at the electric Kaptar lift the wheel base is longer making it more steady on uneven ground. It's a minor point, which has reminded me to talk Lajos and see if they have a conversion kit.
I was easily hoisting hives with a three full supers onto t he back of the pick up. You have to get everything dead straight before clamping, if the hives are angled on the clamps then they can swivel, but overall dead impressed.
I'm saving up for the electric motorized version.
Oh they are heavier than they look!

For what it's worth it was 740euro which included about 100 euros transport costs.

 

[maddydog]

 

[Noddy]

I use this;

 

[Newbeeneil]

I use this;

Not much by the look of those tyres!

 

[Noddy]

Not much by the look of those tyres!

Ha! - That was when it was brand new lol

 

[Poly Hive]

http://hivelifter.com/the_hive_lifter_002.htm

PH

 

[Beefriendly]

http://hivelifter.com/the_hive_lifter_002.htm

PH

Your link is to a Kaptarlift but at an inflated price in dollars.
Much cheaper direct from Hungary.