Which extractor would you buy???

[TXbeekeeper]

I've narrowed my decision down to a Maxant 3100 or Brushy Mountain deluxe 9 frame hand extractor. I am strictly a hobbyist and don't plan on more than 8-10 hives. Any thoughts from anyone who has either would really be really helpful.

[Hampton]

go with a motorized extractor. Take a look at the Maxant 20 frame. You won't be sorry. Just my 2 cents.

[NasalSponge]

I went with a Maxant 3100....I love it!!

[beeup]

I was going to get the 9 frame from brushy mt, but changed my order to the 18/9 hand radial from mannlake. My reason was that it was in stock with free shipping for $589 and I can upgrade to the motor if my new hobby gets bigger than expected.

[bruce todd]

Maxant 3100! Smooth as glass. Made in the USA.

[bmcmahon]

It seems the market for used extractors is pretty good which removed some of my hesitation about buying something "too small." Instead of buying the last extractor I'd ever need I decided to go for a good first extractor. I narrowed my choice to the Maxant 3100 and the Dadant Ranger. They both seemed like well built extractors. The fact that a Dadant branch location was 45 minutes from me gave them the nod.

Good luck and have fun!

[Fuzzy]

You didn't say what your expected harvest is per hive.
I run 5 hives and get 20-25 supers per year in an urban area. I have the Brushy 9 frame machine with the motor. It takes no more than 15 min spin time per super so that would be roughly 6 hrs per year of run time.
For sure, I don't need a 9 frame machine but I like being able to spin a whole box at a time. Am quite happy with my purchase and it has run like a top ( on a caster wheeled base ) for 8 yrs now. Even helped some other club members with their extractions.

Fuzzy

[BuzzyBee]

My Maxant 3100H came today! I too was mulling several different machines, but I decided to go with the Maxant. Made in the USA was high on my priority and though I haven't even cleaned it yet (tomorrow) I am impressed with the build quality. Very smooth when I spun it empty and not as hard to crank as I had thought. If I need a motor, it will be available as will parts if needed. I thought shipping was reasonable from Mass.

I'll be giving it the "smoke test" this weekend. Beautiful machine! Thanks Jake!!

BB

[KQ6AR]

I bought a Maxant this year, very good machine.
The honey we harvest of 3 hives, so far. Has already paid for the machine.

[mudlake]

Get one with a motor,unless you have kids. Tony

[kenr]

Can anybody get a link to the Maxant brand I'd like to take a look.ThANKS

[Pugs]

http://www.maxantindustries.com/

[NasalSponge]

I purchased the 3100h but this year I added the power conversion....super easy to convert and man what a difference, fill it, turn it on and go back to uncapping!! Be careful if you ever remove the basket because it rides on a 1/4 ball bearing that can stick to the basket via the grease (I wonder how I know that??)

[StevenG]

hand cranking gets old fast, and you can't do anything else while hand cranking. Go with the powered unit, you'll save money in the long run, and will be able to uncap while the extractor is running. Good luck, and have fun!
Regards,
Steven

[TXbeekeeper]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It really helps with my decision!

[habutti]

I have a Maxant 3100h, and I used it for the first time and last time this season. After pulling deeps in the hot sun, having to uncap and then hand crank that thing many, many times that was a great lesson for me. I quickly told the wife we are upgrading to a motorized 20 frames "RADIAL". All hand crank is for the birds. The quality is...well is a Maxant right, no doubt about it, but if it does not have a motor on it, I don't want it no matter who made it or where it was made. Time is very important for me, so I can't wast it spinning a dogon extractor, I have too many frames to uncap. If I had to do it all over again I would start with the next size up with a motor and if possible auto-speed control.

[BuzzyBee]

Habutti,

Wish I had waited a couple of weeks to order my 3100h, I'd have made you an offer for yours! Much like the quote at the bottom of your post, I enjoy spending perfectly useless afternoons doing perfectly useless things like spinning honey!

TxBeekeeper, there you go!

BB

[TXbeekeeper]

Well, I went with Maxant. I researched other extractors, but like that they are US made and that the family business has been around for a while. I also like the fact that parts are more than likely to be available and easy to find. Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.

[MAXANT]

Get one with a motor,unless you have kids. Tony

Thanks for the support guys/gals!
I used a 3100P last weekend for a couple supers, ran like a champ!

[bk21701]

As an authorized dealer of Maxant, I would have to say Maxant.... Every one of my customers who purchased a Maxant from me this year emailed me saying how smooth the machine was with absolutely no walking.

And a beekeeper, I love my Maxant and wouldn't own another brand.