Bobcat with forklift mast, or without, vs Hummerbee!!!!!!!!

[BoTBees]

What's your opinion?
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?
Likes and Dislikes?
mobility and visibility?
Thanks, Bo.

[BMAC]

It all what you are used to and what you can afford. I have used skidsteers with forks only, Bobcats with forklift mast and HummerBees. The one true advantage of a machine with forklift mast is the sideways movement for loading and unloading on semis, however if you buy a skidsteer without you will be just fine and figure out how to compensate for it.

[beeware10]

depends on how much you want to spend. a skid steer is low end vs hummerbee upper end. a used skid steer is with forks is 1/4 the cost. I would not put a mast on a skid steer. a skid steer is slower but will get the job done. we have a new holland and like it. It is rated at 1200 # but only weighs 4500 #. remember the loader and trailer takes away what you can haul. everything you buy should pay for itself. start low end and work up later if needed.

[Keith Jarrett]

start low end and work up later if needed.

Very well said!



P.S. and lets not forget SWINGER 1K the premium grade bee mover.

[sqkcrk]

All of my experience w/ loaders is w/ Bobcats w/ arms, not a mast. I have been around Bobcats w/ masts. They can more easily load a semi than I can w/ a larger machine, especially when they have a fifth wheel.

Can't say anything about other loaders. Except that they are easier to get into and out of than Bobcats.

[BMAC]

1 more thing I have to add is skidsteers DONT come with ag tires and are easily stuck and very frustrating when they become stuck with 2 pallets of bees on the forks. I do like Keith pointed out Swingers. Both Swingers and HummerBees have psuedo ag tires on them and both easily pass thru mud and slop where skidsteers get stuck. They too will eventually become stuck but less easy than skid steers. We have even used a HummerBee to pull out a 33K truck that was stuck.

[jim lyon]

Hover? Are you referring to the load cushion? Or is it something more like the Jetsons,

[Rader Sidetrack]

> Are you referring to the load cushion?

I have operated forklifts at various times (never in connection with bees, though), but had never heard of a load cushion. So for those who don't know what a load cushion is, this link is useful:

http://www.cascorp.com/downloads/lin...0Cush%20UK.pdf

[JoshJames]

Hover? Are you referring to the load cushion? Or is it something more like the Jetsons,

Definitely the Jetsons

[Kingfisher Apiaries]

Sorry if I'm off topic, but there was talk a while back about cutting out the barrier bars in a bobcat....bad idea. I tipped a bob the other day, that barrier bar kept my head in one piece. If it wasnt there I would have smacked the bucket
Having used both a bobcat and a hummerbee I wouldn't go with a bobcat unless you are a very good operator, the bobcat is way too bouncy. I have been using a tracked one, maybe the wheeled ones are better??? Hummerbee is just a better all around machine for moving bees IMHO.
Mike