An Essential Bee Barrow
A good bee barrow is an essential part of my beekeeping kit. I got the idea from Conwy Beekeepers member Steve Porter, and it has proved invaluable for moving hives and supers around the apiary.
Why I use it
I use the barrow for moving hives of bees, up to brood and a half, or stacks of supers: up to three full of honey, or four full of frames ready for filling.
How it is made
- It started as an old Walsall Wheelbarrow Company barrow with a solid tyre. I found that pneumatic tyres were soon punctured by hawthorn needles.
- I removed the wheelbarrow pan and bolted an old wooden National hive floor to the frame.
- I fitted a rim around three sides of the floor, higher at the front and loose enough for a hive to be lifted in easily.
- I like to fit a crown board on top of a stack of supers, and I always use a hive strap to keep the load secure.
- I remove the barrow wheel when transporting hives in the car, to save space.
Peter McFadden, updated January 2022