Men and their toys. LOL It looks like it can save a person's back. Good purchase I think. Those bees where really getting after you there but one would expect them too. Surprised the fork lift didn't have red lights on when loading but I didn't see many bees flying. Getting to -5 F here tonight so my bees aren't going anywhere here in MN.
Geesh that’s cold. Yeah it was pretty chilly here but not crazy cold. It was actually a perfect night for moving bees. They were taken to a holding yard and should be heading west very soon!
@@brucesbees Years back when I was a kid we had winters where it never got above 0 F for a week in January. Now days this will be only our 2nd night below 0 F, so not so bad. I don't know how bees can go that long in a cold box.
That is actually a tremendous area. There was irrigated cotton all around back in the summer when I moved them there which actually is very good for the bees. I was moving them to send to California for almond pollination. Remember too that this video was taken during the winter time. Not much going on anywhere. Lake Patti Sue has been a favorite spot of mine for years.
Hi Bruce reviewing some of your older videos, looking at moving hives & super solutions for future expansion. Budget is limited at the moment so options are limited. Any ideas for lifting supers at heights the Easy-lift looks limited, without breaking the bank or my back.😊
Yes there are some other products out there. Mike Barry has a lift that works well and the height is variable. You could reach out to him or go back and watch some of his old videos. I think Kamon Reynolds may also have a lift of some sort that is a lot like Mike’s. But I think Mike did a video or two on the lift. It is true that the one I have is great for pallet to pallet transfers or for moving hives from one spot to another but definitely has its limitations.
Not to make you envious, but light snow/sleet and 34 F in Salt Lake. No moving beehives for us here! Do the growers in CA require that you bring them on new pallets? Nice to see your mom!
Yes! Go Cougs! Pretty good sports year so far! Sorry to hear about the drought. Hopefully will pick up soon. Water is always a big concern out there for sure.
The little hive dolly works well, the handle angle looks to have you bent over, probably was made for a short person. If you keep growing your numbers you'll need a loader, watching you carry pallets brings back horrible memories. Looks like healthy bees Bruce, a bit on the angry side, start with the smoker and use it lots would have helped also we try to move them in the early morning at or before sunrise. Morning bees are in a better mood than any other time of day.
It was pretty chilly by Alabama standards. Actually not a bad day for moving bees. When they hauled them off it was after dark. Chilly and dark are definitely the best conditions to move bees.
Bruce, you need to name the hive lifter “Back Saver”. Good luck with the 44! I was making splits here in central AL last year on March 14th. I’ve already started painting and assembling hive bodies. Spring will be here before we know it! Thanks for the video!
Hello Bruce, thx for your videos. I have a question. In this video you move bee boxes from a pallet to a new/clean one. You move them about 10 feet. Isin't the problem of drifting? Do bees reach theire own hive? Thx Andrea
Even though you planned to take to another site for pollination later in the day, did you not find it necessary to position the new pallets on the site of the old so the foraging bees could find their way back to the right hive?
I used to worry about that too, but as long as they are close the bees will re-orient. It happens very quickly. There probably is a little drift but that’s ok.
Selfie Stick Tripod, BlitzWolf Lightweight Aluminum All in One Extendable Phone Tripod Selfie Stick Bluetooth with Remote for iPhone 11 Pro/XS MAX/XS/XR/X/8 Plus/7 Plus/6S, Galaxy S10/S9/S9 Plus, More www.amazon.com/dp/B07TG9G8HF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_zfTcGb0GWPWC3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It might but don’t know for sure. I have moved a few empty 4 ways around with it but it doesn’t work with hives on it. Too front heavy. But with two hive pallets? Maybe. It could definitely handle the weight. The mechanics might be a little tricky though.
They are the same type of pallets. The new ones are just clean and in better condition. Towards the end of the video at 8:15 I show the grass and dirt that is on the old ones. If they roll into California looking like that it creates a problem and they will be “washed”, which is an undesirable experience for the bees and an unnecessary expense. If I was moving them to a local crop such as watermelons or cucumbers I would have probably just left them on the old pallets.
The plastic and new pallets basically eliminate the chance of fire ants being on, or jumping on board before being loaded and headed to California. If the California inspectors find fire ants on your load, they'll reject the whole load. Apparently Cali. doesn't have fire ants.
Not sure what you mean? It is really good at moving hives from pallet to pallet and does a pretty good job lifting and moving empty 4 way pallets but is not really designed for tall hives or loaded pallets.
The new pallets are placed close to the old ones and the colonies are placed in the same order when moved. The bees reorient very quickly and the process is seemless. In reality the bees are pretty adaptable. Even if hive locations are switched and the bees go into the wrong hive they adapt just fine. In reality there is probably a significant amount of “drift” in beeyard where a lot of hives are placed on close proximity. The bees figure it out. They really are incredible.
Good question. It is not technically a pallet jack though it does work to move the pallets one or two at a time. Just to move them from the stack to the trailer, it is almost easier to carry them. They are not super heavy. The EZ-Lift Hive Truck is mostly designed to move beehives.
There are lots of variables but I think the average pay out is north of $200 per hive. Of course there is a fair amount of money that goes to logistics etc so the number I will receive is significantly less than that. Actual money received will vary depending on your individual situation. This is only my second year participating and I am a very small fish in a huge lake. I still have a lot to learn.
Yeah I can’t give exact details and every situation will be different. If you google almond pollination you find can out a lot about it. There is information out there but you have to dig a bit.
The California Beekeeper also talks about it a bit in his videos. I just found him recently. Good stuff. ua-cam.com/channels/gYSGoHtU5YAiOffX_nfFFA.html
Yes 4 way pallets. The pallets double up as bottom boards. Here is a video where I show them a little more closely. ua-cam.com/video/POzxr08esdE/v-deo.html
Yeah my bees also get flying all over when I did inspection yesterday. They seem to be very defensive at this time of the year. Bruce when do you do your first splits of the year ? Thank you.
It varies depending on the weather and build up of the bees. I like to wait until I feel like we are pretty much out of the cold weather. And there also need to be a significant amount of drones. Last year I think we did our first splits in mid-March.
I paid $43 for these. I think that probably is a good deal. Lumber prices have been going up like crazy and I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue to climb with the new situation in Washington.
Yep. Must be lol. I do it all the time. In reality I have noticed no significant difference if I wear white or black. And they will fill a white beekeeping glove up with stingers and rarely do they sting through the black nitrile gloves.
That hive lift is sweet!! Pleasure to see you mother and very impressed with farm.
Yes very nice. My mom is truly awesome for sure!
There is always plenty of work to do isn’t there. :) Stay safe and thanks for sharing. :)
Yes! Lots of work for sure. Thanks for checking in!
*That looks like a very useful gadget. Absolutely beats lifting all those boxes. Thanks for sharing!*
Yes. It is a little pricy but if you have a lot to move definitely worth it. Made this job easy.
Hive cart works good for that .. Saved you alot lifting
Absolutely.
Thanks !!
Thank you for watching.
Men and their toys. LOL It looks like it can save a person's back. Good purchase I think. Those bees where really getting after you there but one would expect them too. Surprised the fork lift didn't have red lights on when loading but I didn't see many bees flying. Getting to -5 F here tonight so my bees aren't going anywhere here in MN.
Geesh that’s cold. Yeah it was pretty chilly here but not crazy cold. It was actually a perfect night for moving bees. They were taken to a holding yard and should be heading west very soon!
@@brucesbees Years back when I was a kid we had winters where it never got above 0 F for a week in January. Now days this will be only our 2nd night below 0 F, so not so bad. I don't know how bees can go that long in a cold box.
Yeah I hear ya. Used to be colder for longer here too.
Looking at that area by the pond looks like a dearth of food to me. Must be stuff you can't see from your aviary. No wonder you are moving them.
That is actually a tremendous area. There was irrigated cotton all around back in the summer when I moved them there which actually is very good for the bees. I was moving them to send to California for almond pollination. Remember too that this video was taken during the winter time. Not much going on anywhere. Lake Patti Sue has been a favorite spot of mine for years.
crazy how short the OFF season is. mid January, and I feel like im behind already. glad things are hopping for you
No doubt. Never seems to be a chance for much of a break!
Hi Bruce reviewing some of your older videos, looking at moving hives & super solutions for future expansion. Budget is limited at the moment so options are limited. Any ideas for lifting supers at heights the Easy-lift looks limited, without breaking the bank or my back.😊
Yes there are some other products out there. Mike Barry has a lift that works well and the height is variable. You could reach out to him or go back and watch some of his old videos. I think Kamon Reynolds may also have a lift of some sort that is a lot like Mike’s. But I think Mike did a video or two on the lift. It is true that the one I have is great for pallet to pallet transfers or for moving hives from one spot to another but definitely has its limitations.
It's started already. My girls have found a pollen source today and were really bringing in full pollen sacks. It was a grayish color. Thanks.
Yes bee season is coming fast!
Not to make you envious, but light snow/sleet and 34 F in Salt Lake. No moving beehives for us here!
Do the growers in CA require that you bring them on new pallets?
Nice to see your mom!
From my understanding it is best. They need to be clean for sure.
You guys can have the snow lol! I watched the BYU game last night and it looked like there was a pretty decent snowstorm yesterday?
@@brucesbees unfortunately, not enough. The entire state is in extreme drought.
But go Cougs!!
Yes! Go Cougs! Pretty good sports year so far! Sorry to hear about the drought. Hopefully will pick up soon. Water is always a big concern out there for sure.
The little hive dolly works well, the handle angle looks to have you bent over, probably was made for a short person. If you keep growing your numbers you'll need a loader, watching you carry pallets brings back horrible memories. Looks like healthy bees Bruce, a bit on the angry side, start with the smoker and use it lots would have helped also we try to move them in the early morning at or before sunrise. Morning bees are in a better mood than any other time of day.
It was pretty chilly by Alabama standards. Actually not a bad day for moving bees. When they hauled them off it was after dark. Chilly and dark are definitely the best conditions to move bees.
Bruce, you need to name the hive lifter “Back Saver”. Good luck with the 44! I was making splits here in central AL last year on March 14th. I’ve already started painting and assembling hive bodies. Spring will be here before we know it! Thanks for the video!
Yes that is an appropriate name. You are right. Bee season is upon us!
I like your lift Bruce. For what you are doing it is great. Will it pick up two deeps of brood and 3 deeps full of honey that is in a single stack?
I think it might but would have to build an extension. It is really designed for these type hives (singles and doubles).
@@brucesbees
I think you are right. Good video Bruce, keep up the good work!
Thanks
Hello Bruce, thx for your videos. I have a question. In this video you move bee boxes from a pallet to a new/clean one. You move them about 10 feet. Isin't the problem of drifting? Do bees reach theire own hive? Thx
Andrea
There is some drifting but within a few minutes they have it all figured out and it’s business as usual.
can you show how you build your 4 way pallets
I usually purchase my pallets but here is a video that shows the dimensions.
ua-cam.com/video/POzxr08esdE/v-deo.html
How many hives did you send and did you send them out with other smaller bee keepers?
Last year I sent 44 and yes I joined with som other beekeepers.
First day of spring 60 days .. I need more time not ready yet .. Feel guilty if i dont work out in the shop few hours each night after work
No doubt. Will be here very soon.
Even though you planned to take to another site for pollination later in the day, did you not find it necessary to position the new pallets on the site of the old so the foraging bees could find their way back to the right hive?
I used to worry about that too, but as long as they are close the bees will re-orient. It happens very quickly. There probably is a little drift but that’s ok.
What do you use to hold your camera for your head/talking shots?
Selfie Stick Tripod, BlitzWolf Lightweight Aluminum All in One Extendable Phone Tripod Selfie Stick Bluetooth with Remote for iPhone 11 Pro/XS MAX/XS/XR/X/8 Plus/7 Plus/6S, Galaxy S10/S9/S9 Plus, More www.amazon.com/dp/B07TG9G8HF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_zfTcGb0GWPWC3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I run two hives per pallet. Will that E-Z lift forks pick up a half pallet with two hives on it?
It might but don’t know for sure. I have moved a few empty 4 ways around with it but it doesn’t work with hives on it. Too front heavy. But with two hive pallets? Maybe. It could definitely handle the weight. The mechanics might be a little tricky though.
@@brucesbees thanks for your time and it was nice to have met you in person at the Hive Live Conference, in the bar, when Greg Burns said 👋
Yes it was nice to meet you as well. Good times…
Who makes your dolly?
Mann Lake. Check out the link in the description. Thanks!
what dimension pipes is that hive cart made of?
Not sure. Haven’t even thought to measure.
Didn’t seem much difference between the new pallets and the old so I guess this exercise was about putting plastic down.
They are the same type of pallets. The new ones are just clean and in better condition. Towards the end of the video at 8:15 I show the grass and dirt that is on the old ones. If they roll into California looking like that it creates a problem and they will be “washed”, which is an undesirable experience for the bees and an unnecessary expense. If I was moving them to a local crop such as watermelons or cucumbers I would have probably just left them on the old pallets.
The plastic and new pallets basically eliminate the chance of fire ants being on, or jumping on board before being loaded and headed to California. If the California inspectors find fire ants on your load, they'll reject the whole load. Apparently Cali. doesn't have fire ants.
Yes ants are a big no no.
Can that dolly lift a pallet 9f 4 ways to put on trailer?
Not sure what you mean? It is really good at moving hives from pallet to pallet and does a pretty good job lifting and moving empty 4 way pallets but is not really designed for tall hives or loaded pallets.
How do the bees find their hives again after you move them?
The new pallets are placed close to the old ones and the colonies are placed in the same order when moved. The bees reorient very quickly and the process is seemless. In reality the bees are pretty adaptable. Even if hive locations are switched and the bees go into the wrong hive they adapt just fine. In reality there is probably a significant amount of “drift” in beeyard where a lot of hives are placed on close proximity. The bees figure it out. They really are incredible.
Why did you carry your pallets on the trailer when you have a pallet jack??
Good question. It is not technically a pallet jack though it does work to move the pallets one or two at a time. Just to move them from the stack to the trailer, it is almost easier to carry them. They are not super heavy. The EZ-Lift Hive Truck is mostly designed to move beehives.
Where can I get a hive lifter like that
I got it from Mann Lake.
Are they going out to California Bruce??
Yes
Hey Bruce I know we just saw ya move an empty 4-way pallet but can the ez-lift move a 4-way with hives on it?
I tried it and it really doesn’t work well. Not really designed for that.
What does it pay to send them off for pollination?
There are lots of variables but I think the average pay out is north of $200 per hive. Of course there is a fair amount of money that goes to logistics etc so the number I will receive is significantly less than that. Actual money received will vary depending on your individual situation. This is only my second year participating and I am a very small fish in a huge lake. I still have a lot to learn.
@@brucesbees I appreciate you sharing. Everyone else I've asked has been secretive about it.
Yeah I can’t give exact details and every situation will be different. If you google almond pollination you find can out a lot about it. There is information out there but you have to dig a bit.
The California Beekeeper also talks about it a bit in his videos. I just found him recently. Good stuff.
ua-cam.com/channels/gYSGoHtU5YAiOffX_nfFFA.html
never seen thise pallets w metal brackets,so those are the bottom board's
Yes 4 way pallets. The pallets double up as bottom boards. Here is a video where I show them a little more closely.
ua-cam.com/video/POzxr08esdE/v-deo.html
Do you need beekeepers from Uzbekistan?
No not now. Thanks for asking.
There are only those who work during the season. Call if needed for the season. You have good conditions for bees
Yeah my bees also get flying all over when I did inspection yesterday. They seem to be very defensive at this time of the year.
Bruce when do you do your first splits of the year ? Thank you.
It varies depending on the weather and build up of the bees. I like to wait until I feel like we are pretty much out of the cold weather. And there also need to be a significant amount of drones. Last year I think we did our first splits in mid-March.
I found a guy that will build 4 way pallets for 45$... Is this a good deal?
I paid $43 for these. I think that probably is a good deal. Lumber prices have been going up like crazy and I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue to climb with the new situation in Washington.
Put a link to the hive cart
www.mannlakeltd.com/ez-lift-hivetruck
Are you insane???? Black gloves and a black bee jacket. NOT the colors you want to be handling angry bees wearing.
Yep. Must be lol. I do it all the time. In reality I have noticed no significant difference if I wear white or black. And they will fill a white beekeeping glove up with stingers and rarely do they sting through the black nitrile gloves.
ua-cam.com/video/W_EzvT1iGWQ/v-deo.html