On Wed, 1 Jan 1997 09:46:48 -0600 John Bruihler <[log in to unmask]>
writes:
>I'm a large sideliner (500+ hives) that up to this point have done
>everything by hand, including some pollination services. Humping hives
>for
>hours at a time by myself is becoming real old. I'm going to switch
>some
>over to migritory style this coming season and would appreciate any
>advice
>on what system to use. Here in the midwest there are two commonly used
>methods that I'm aware of:
 
>
>John  Bruihler
>Rushford MN (SE corner of the state)
>
Hi,
        Our local club has what we call a pollination pool, members who
want to pollinate put our hives together, mostly for apples. Being needed
for only a couple of weeks means thy are put on pallets and shortly there
after removed. None of us like working colonies on pallets the whole
season.
 
 We build our own pallets, will hold 4 hives w/tele covers. 4 eye bolt
are inserted in slat beams , 2 on each side. we strap down hives in pairs
w/1 ratchet buckle strap. This makes it easy and quick and a snap to get
into for any reason while on site. We have been able to purchase these
straps for a rediculously low cost, ~$3.00.  We have our own designed
bottom boards that I have yet to see improved upon. They are actually
mini skids, 2" x 4" rails dadoed 3/4" deep to take the bottom board and a
strip is put on top to provide the blockage opposite the entrance. Each
end of the rail has a small 45 deg. cut on the bottom edge to ease
sliding
 
. For the bottom plate I have been using texture 111 with smooth side up.
Have yet to find a more durable material. Plenty of room to grab under
front and back of these. We don't have a fork lift so we load the pallets
on the trailer bed. An electric winch and cable mechanism can drag the
pallets fore or aft just by moving an anchor pulley. I think for a 1 man
operation a powered dolly device would be a great asset. There was one
pictured on front of one of the journals awhile back. Does anyone where
literature can be obtained on these?
        Hope this info will generate some ideas for you.
 
Alden Marshall [B-Line Apiaries
Hudson, NH
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