Construction is from two 54" lengths of 2" x 1" for the side rails and two 9" lengths of 2" x 1" for the cross member, together with three steel backflap hinges. The cross-member is hinged in the middle so that the carrier can be collapsed for easy storage. The lugs are made from two 15" lengths of 2" x 1" screwed and glued to the side rails and the ends of the lugs are cut at 45 degrees so that they fit into the handholds easily.

The lugs are offset from the central position by 5" for two reasons. In use, the person with the longer handles walks at the front and the extra length prevents the hive from catching their heels; it also shifts some of the load to the person at the back, making it easier if there are two people of varying strength.

The handles were shaped for comfort using a plane.

The lugs can be engaged in any of the boxes and we usually find that, with a single brood hive, it is more comfortable to lift from the first super - although over very rough ground it may be better to lift from the brood box to get more ground clearance.

We have moved hives weighing a good 150lb very easily with this carrier.

12/05/2003