Rack/ hoist for lifting hives

[wayacoyote]

I'm purchasing some 400lb spring scales to weigh my hives and need to come up with a method of lifting them. I first thought of a tripod, but that seems cumbersome to move. I suppose a boom arm attached to the truck would be best, but I may not always be within reach. any one have their own system or ideas?

Waya

[Michael Bush]

I haven't used one, but they sell a bipod with an "ice tong" setup for that purpose. Basically you hook the "tongs" into the handles and the weight causes them to grip more. Tipping the bipod is what lifts the hive. I've seen the ads in the bee magazines.

[bluegrass]

You could buy or build one of these!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-Ton-Pickup-Truck-Crane-Hoist-Davit-6000-lb-Capacity_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63697QQihZ018Q QitemZ280067583085QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[sierrabees]

I use a pickup crance sold by Northern. The hand winch on the one I bought stripped the gears first time I tried to lift a 55 gal drum so I put on a 12v ATV winch and it works fine. It's just a matter of possitioning my hives so I can get to them.