Scales for hobbiest

[ccar2000]

What is an appropriate scale to test the weight of hives going into winter. Not interested in purchasing a platform scale. Can a "pull-type" scale be used to test the weight by tipping the complete hive on its stand?

[EastSideBuzz]

So this is what I would do. buy 3 2x4's, 1 1x4. Make an A frame out of 2 of the 2bys and use the 1x for the brace in the A. Then run the other 2x from the top of the A toward you. Now you have an A that you can hold up with the A being on one side of the hive and you on the other and that 2x and on top you are holding one end and the A holds the other. Kind of makes sence right. Now suspend you scale (see link below) attached to a crank strap that has your hive secured and lift your hive with the one end of the 2x. You will only be having to lift 1/2 of the weight of the hive. take your measurement. OR make a second A frame and crank up the hive. You can use a come-along or something like that and you don't have to lift.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...7413_200307413
http://www.amazon.com/Industrail-Hea.../dp/B00186R2UG

Good luck.

[ccar2000]

Yes, I see. Set up the A-frame and use the third "leg" as a lifting leaver to heft the whole hive suspended from the scale. Right? Maybe I should just look for a second hand swingset? Shouldn't need to support more than a couple of hundred pounds.

[Jeff F.]

Would a Bathroom Scale do the job?

Rgds: Jeff

[EastSideBuzz]

Yes, I see. Set up the A-frame and use the third "leg" as a lifting leaver to heft the whole hive suspended from the scale. Right? Maybe I should just look for a second hand swingset? Shouldn't need to support more than a couple of hundred pounds.

The goal is that it will fit in the back of my pickup easily. You only use it once a year or so and it is quick to move between the hives for weight. I set the A behind and then lift quickly too get weight then set back down. I think doing it with 2 A frames and cranking it up would be too much time. It is just like pressing when you weight lift. At the most it is 100 lbs and I am still young enough to do it. I have the digital scale one that records the weight. So it is quick and portable.

Would a Bathroom Scale do the job?

Maybe but you have to lift it onto the scale. My method is way easier and cost less then $100 bucks to build.

[Countryboy]

I bought a model P250S Pelouze 250 pound heavy duty utility scale off eBay. It looks like a metal briefcase.

Here is a used one you can buy for $35 total, shipped to you.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pelouze-Model-P2...item20b4305f89

I tilt the hive to one side, and shove the scale under the hive with my boot. Then I rock the hive back onto the scale, and check the weight. Then I lean the hive back, and shove the scale out of the way with my boot, and put the hive back into its original position.

It's easier with two people, but it can be done by yourself.

Mike Palmer posted some pics on here once on how he weighs hives like this.

[Michael Palmer]

I bought a model P250S Pelouze 250 pound heavy duty utility scale off eBay. It looks like a metal briefcase.
Mike Palmer posted some pics on here once on how he weighs hives like this.

I love archives....

http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...ght=hive+scale

[Countryboy]

That link seems messed up. Try this link.

http://www.beesource.com/forums/show...ght=hive+scale

Hmm. Unfortunately, it appears that Mike no longer has those pics hosted on photobucket. Any chance of you sharing the pics again for the new folks?

[pine_ridge_farms]

I have been using bathroom scales. I throw a couplw extra blocks next to my hive. Lift on side of the hive and shove the scales under the edge then I lift the hive onto the one edge till it's kind of balancing there on the scales. Seems to work well for me and the scales were like $15 at walmart.

=-Dan