Mann Lake Extractors

[Bee-Mover]

I've been using a friends extractor for a few years now.  While this is nice of him, I'm limited by his schedule etc.

I've been looking for one of my own, anyone have any experience with Mann Lake extractors?  They seem to me more reasonably priced than some others, but I've been burned by the 'deals' in the past.

Brian

[mikecva]

I have a Maxant 9 frame powered extractor and have not had problems other then outgrowing it. I have no experience with Mann Lake's but I get a lot of other items from Mann lake and have not had problems with those either. I wonder if I am a pushover? :buttkick:   -Mike

[BeeMaster2]

I have a Mann Lake 18 frame motorized extractor. I like it a lot. I'm glad I got the larger motorized extractor. I extracted 1100 pounds already this year and if the weather is nice tomorrow, I will be pulling more honey tomorrow. I like that it is all stainless steel including the frame holder.
Jim

[Highlander]

After a failed attempt to make an extractor (but it was a lot of fun) I purchased this one from Better Bee http://www.betterbee.com/Products/Extracting/Two-Frame-Plastic-Honey-Extractor . Very happy with it so far. I did the last 5 super frames with it today.

Cruachan

[Bee-Mover]

Thanks for you're 2 cents everyone.  My desire is to buy a large-ish one with a motor so that my extracting can be done quickly.

The hand crank seems like it might be a good option for a while, how long does it take to do a pair of frames?

[Moots]

Thanks for you're 2 cents everyone.  My desire is to buy a large-ish one with a motor so that my extracting can be done quickly.

The hand crank seems like it might be a good option for a while, how long does it take to do a pair of frames?

TOO LONG for me to be cranking by hand.  :-D

I got the 9 frame motorized from Walter Kelley, which is really the Maxant extractor, just relabeled by Kelley's Bees. One of the pluses is that I heard parts are always available. I've heard that with others, you may have trouble getting parts....but a know nothing specific about the Mann Lake line.

FYI, Walter Kelley is about to have free shipping.

[Highlander]

I processed 5 full frames and re processed the four original frames in two hours, from setup to wash down.  More frames more time, but pretty easy over all.  If I had a lot more to do I would want a motorized one with the ability to hold more frames, but not for so few.

Cruachan!

[Jim134]

Personally I would buy one made in the USA so I know where I can get parts if ever  needed to. I do have one that is 20 years old and never had to get parts for it yet but I do know where to go and yes parts are still available.

http://www.maxantindustries.com/



                 BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[merince]

I have the 18/9 MannLake motorized extractor. I am very happy with it.

[homemaid]

I don't know about Mann Lake or what size extractor your looking for but we just ordered the 9 frame Maxant from HTKrantz and it had free shipping on it. They are back ordered for about 4 weeks. The stainless steel in a 20 gauge compared to some of the others that are thinner.

[Moots]

I don't know about Mann Lake or what size extractor your looking for but we just ordered the 9 frame Maxant from HTKrantz and it had free shipping on it. They are back ordered for about 4 weeks. The stainless steel in a 20 gauge compared to some of the others that are thinner.

WCL,
That's the same extractor I have, as I said, mine was purchased through Kelley Bees, but it's made for them by Maxant...I think you'll be quite satisfied, I'm very happy with the way mine has performed through my first two extractions.

[woodchopper]

We used to own the Mann-Lake 18 frame motorized and like everything else it had it's pros and cons. I liked being able to pick it up and carry it out of our cellar so I could hose it out after using and it was lower in cost than some of the others.
I didn't like the way it rocked back and forth when it was fully loaded which wasted energy and put a lot of stress on the legs and supports. It also increased the extraction times even though the unit was lagged to the floor. I also didn't like it being a "Direct Drive" system which means when you move the basket when you load it. Moving the basket when the motor is turned off is really bad for the internals of the motor. Don't ask me how I know this. :(
We eventually sold it for close to what we paid for it and bought a Maxant 1400. Even though the Maxant was more expensive it was essentially paid for with the sale of our honey. Sounded expensive on paper but when we use it the extra cost NEVER crosses our minds. Quality doesn't cost.......it pays !!!

[beehappy1950]

I have a Mannlake extractor. 18/ 9 AND AM WELL PLEASED WITH IT. I see where they have made the spinner totaly out of stainless instead of plastic. I may move up someday. Mine is hand crank. I did put my dewalt drill on it and I just didnt have enough power and speed. So I bought a 20 v and I think it will work great next year.

[jharris]

I am very happy with the performance of my Mann Lake 18/9 motorized extractor. I spin medium and deep frames and have had no problems. Sure beats my old 2 frame hand crank.

[Bee-Mover]

Great information all, thank you!

[BeeMaster2]

Great information all, thank you!

Let us know what you end up buying.
Jim

[woodchopper]

 I second Jim's request. Like to hear what you buy, price, and what your reasons were. Everybody has different taste but after owning both I'd be wondering how many jars extra of honey I'd have to sell before I could justify the extra expense of this:
http://www.betterbee.com/Products/Extracting/M1400L

[GDRankin]

Good info folks, thanks for sharing.

Just curious if anyone has any exprience with this company or has even ever heard of the extractor from VIVO?
There's a listing on ebay for a 2 frame hand crank that looks decent and is reasonallby priced at $169.89 including shipping for a "scratch & dent" version.

Here's the scoop from the page . . .
Item Description: New "Scratch & Dent" (will have minor dents & or scratches) two-frame honey extractor from VIVO! Made from High Grade Stainless Steel, this is a very durable extractor. The drum is 29 inches tall with a 15 inch diameter. The honey extractor comes with 2 clear lids and has 2 handles on the side for easy carrying. The bottom inside of the drum is conical shaped and drains honey to the 2-inch outlet with stopper/honey gate. VIVO is proud to bring you this well built, large 2-frame extractor at an unbeatable price. The BEE-V002 will fit shallow, medium and deep frames. The metal gears are enclosed to keep them clean and free of honey. This VIVO extractor is also one of the few on the market that has a raised bottom bearing which helps keep it out of the extracted honey. The stainless steel has a beautiful polished mirrored finished on the outside (comes in protective wrap that will need removed).

Thanks,
GD
PS. They have the regular (not scratch & dent) for $194.99. The page shows: More than 10 available / 484 sold

[sc-bee]

I would not waste my time on a two frame IMHO. More trouble than worth gained....

[GDRankin]

I would not waste my time on a two frame IMHO. More trouble than worth gained....

They also have a 4/8 frame version for $319.99 (hand crank of course)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Four-4-8-Frame-Stainless-Steel-Honey-Extractor-304-SS-VIVO-Model-BEE-V004-/171152234667?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d977d8ab

10 available / 278 sold - the feedback on their ebay feedback page (re: extractors) all looks good, but a lot of times the feedback is left when an item arrives in good condition, and not after it's actually been used.

I'm not sure where these are made, they are selling them under their " VIVO Technology " ebay store, but that doesn't tell me where the extractors are made. Just curious if any of the regs around here had any experience or info on this version.

I appreciate the reply.
GD