Extractors

**benp** · 01-24-2008, 05:52 PM

Hi I am kinda new to this but want to get started right.this is the beginning of my second season and I only have 2 hives right now but I am going to expand some and add two more hive and a nuc.I am also going to purchase a building for our honey house a 10x16 so in the future we don't have to worry about needing a bigger building in the future.As for an extractor I am looking at the L150A Extractor Italian deluxe 9 radial from Rossman. has any of you had any experience with these any thoughts ideas ?

**HarryVanderpool** · 01-24-2008, 06:55 PM

I have one very similar that I bought a million years ago.
In those days the reel was cast metal and they had a real stout gearbox.
Now days the reel is plastic and so are the gears.

I have no idea how they hold up.
On the positive side, you would be amased how many western supers you can shove through one of these in a day if you are on the ball and organized.
Nope! I'm not even going to post my record production with my old 9 frame and Maxant flail uncapper. No one would believe me and I'd probably get banned for telling tall tales.
Sufice it to say: If the gears, reel and the rest hold up, you will not need to upgrade for quite a few hives.
You will need to bolt it to the floor.
Have fun!

**mwyatt** · 01-25-2008, 03:58 PM

I bought out a beekeeper who had a Dadant 6/12 extractor. I got a great deal so I was a little leery of what it would do. I was extracting and not paying attention since it was hot and I am kind of lousy at thinking things through. In any case, I extracted about 20 frames of comb honey that was unwired and starter strips. Not one blew out. I never did have any of frames do anything but what they should do. In any case, it is a dream to work with.

**Michael Bush** · 01-25-2008, 05:00 PM

If I had only two hives I would (and did) hold out for a good deal on an extractor. I wouldn't be in any hurry. You can keep bees for decades without one.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesharvest.htm#combhoney