Buying an Extractor, NEED ADVICE!!!!

Ocean · May 17, 2006, 10:23:41 PM

Hi everyone, well my father said its time for an extractor. Currently we have only 2 hives, going to add 4 more in about a week or so.

He decided he wants an extractor. Our price range is not more than $600.

What are the best ones out there, we are looking to get an electric one and double sided ( spins i mean)

iam not too familiar with these so please tell me which should i go with..

I know Dadant and MannLake are on my top list, are there more?

Ocean · May 17, 2006, 10:51:36 PM

o ye i forgot to mention that i want it to Do deep frames and so i don't have to flip the frames... i belive its called Radial

and one more question... HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EXTRACT 4 SUPERS WITH A DADANT RADIAL extractor?

Brian D. Bray · May 18, 2006, 02:52:55 AM

Length of time varies on temperature. it is not uncommon to have the temperature in the honey room (full super storage) and the extracting room in the mid 80's to improve viscosity of the honey when extracting. The thing to remember is that the cooler temperature the slower the honey will flow from the comb. Too cold and you get broken comb.

Ross · May 18, 2006, 11:23:47 AM

The only way to meet your criteria is to find a used extractor. Many people will tell you to wait until you have a dozen or more hives. A powered radial extractor will start around $750 these days before shipping. Most will be over $900. Take a look at the Mann Lake 9/18 for a starting place.

Ocean · May 18, 2006, 11:35:15 AM

so what are some good brands radial power extractors? i know of 3 now

Mann Lake, Dadant, Maxant... which is your favorite and do you know any others?

TwT · May 18, 2006, 12:01:51 PM

this might even be driving distance from you, maxant radial , motorized extractors... with or without legs....

Maxant 3100 6 Frame Radial Extractor
M3100ML
Maxant 3100 6 Frame Radial Extractor
Motorized with Legs
S/H: 60 lbs.
Price : $665.00 Qty

M3100M
Maxant 3100 6 Frame Radial Extractor
Motorized without Legs
S/H: 60 lbs.
Price : $615.00 Qty
M3100L

http://www.betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=1258

Ocean · May 18, 2006, 03:47:22 PM

TwT thanx, but these people said they place an order with the warehouse which is in Boston, and in about 2-3 months they will ship them, because they are all custom built the lady told me.

So i went with the Mann Lake 3 frame Motorized not radial total was $570

Michael Bush · May 19, 2006, 12:55:43 AM

I'd hold out until you have more money (aobut $1000) or you find a good deal on a used one. A 9/18 motorized (9 deeps and 18 meidums) from Mann Lake is over $900 and that's the minimum I'd buy. You'll have trouble finding a motoraized radial that takes deep for very much less than that.