Adopting a New Pallet Design

a Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog
Brads pallet vids can be found here:
• 🔨Two Way Migratory Pal...
• 🔨Two Way Migratory Pal...
• 🔨Two Way Migratory Pal...

[@richardnoel3141]

I am learning in commercial beekeeping that it’s the small refinements that make a real difference! This is personified in your pallets. Less risk, less potential for losing time! Stronger and sturdier! Moving forward, tweaking as we go! Thanks! Great video!

[@donotcare330]

I hope everything goes well for you! Many of us Operators in the United States are questioning their passion for the job and making money. Since HONEY markets are sour with Open-world markets! I can name 2 major packing companies that cheat US all on honey and drive prices CLEAR down while buying offshore honey. I can only afford to fuel my semi barely with the money I get off of Honey.

[@eddevault4604]

Government regulations allow this....I know several companies buying honey from Brazil and marketing it as local honey....

[@peterlightbody8443]

@@donotcare330 hello Rick Peter Australia , is there no sort of tarrif on honey if it comes in from another country ,be interested to know how it works in the usa, if your a commercial beekeeper ,as in what price you get for your honey ,overall cost to produce it .

[@jcs6347]

Question Ian, can you show the pallets unstacked please? I went thru your explanation several times but didn't catch how you can face one way and then 90 and they all line up, or a diagram maybe? Thanks,

[@ThatBeeMan]

Head over to my channel to see more detail. There are video links in the description.

[@danielweston9188]

Just about to build new pallets for 300 - will consider this....

[@misterbeen1071]

Hello. I am a beekeeper from Germany. Wintering in halls is unusual for us. How many degrees do you have in the halls and the bees do not fly with you for purely cleaning flights. I would be very happy to hear from you.

[@pnwRC.]

I like the new pallet design!

[@eddevault4604]

1500 hives....3-hives to a pallet....500 lifts.... 1509 hives...2-hives to a pallet....750 lifts..... Let’s do this twice each year....signed Mother Nature....

[@drrota]

You're doing all a great service - and we all appreciate it. Especially in times like these. Karma is an amazing thing. :)

[@olympusbee1321]

Good job!!your new pallet are great!!Best regards from Greece!!!!keep beekeeping!!!

[@popquizzz]

First thirty seconds in and visual production value is up 100%. but production value is also about content and you never fail to deliver.

[@timothyodonnell8591]

Ian- regarding the gifts you have stored up, you can kill two stones with one bird. Opening them on camera and saying thanks upon opening will help you with content during the winter. Several of the channels I watch do unwrapping videos every so often. IMAO, it's a perfectly acceptable KZbin practice.

[@peaceonearth8693]

How about a Christmas special with a Santa bee suit and opening all the gifts?

[@timothyodonnell8591]

@@peaceonearth8693 That'll work too.

[@southjerseysound7340]

We know that you are one of the few people who are genuine and not posting videos to get freebies and that's why a lot of us have sent you things. We also truly appreciate the information that you are sharing even if it's not the easiest to share. I used to swear I would never send something until I came across your channel. As for the lift swinging free goes, I think you need a strong magnet. A good strong magnet will help keep it in place and save some dinged paint. We used a magnet for magnet fishing on our truck and while it's a different setup it's saved us countless times. All it took was drilling a hole and using the threads for the eyelet to bolt it on.

[@johnnypatti8752]

Good morning sir I really like the video today glad to see you are doing well I do have a question you figured you would from me buddy in Texas LOL how big of a truck is that an F-450 with a 15 foot bed curiosity killing the cat is what he say just to let you know it's about 75 degrees down here has been all week and will be for another week probably R3 take care sir

[@toddparsons5780]

I have that same design. I manage around 350 right now with an Apijuneda Crane. I do miss the extra width of the footprint for stability in some of my yards with regards to slope, gopher holes being dug underneath, etc. When they are stacked tall, they can feel a bit tippy at times. Haven't had one go over yet thankfully. But once they get locked in on the truck, it's nice to know the stack is more secure. I was having problems moving doubles - which the almond growers require - as the top boxes would get shifted once the strap was tightened. I have had to install 3/4" cleats on everything to alleviate that issue. And now when everything is tightened down, everything stays put. I will say I envy you managing and moving singles. Moving doubles vs singles with the crane requires more care, strength, and time than I had calculated. But she gets the job done alright. Cheers!

[@Basca112]

that coffiee must be cold by the time you finish it, i know mine is, but that comes with the territory, buissy, buissy, buissy. Keep up the good work, your videos are so helpful, where i live (Sweden) most beekeepers say that you can live on 300 hives managing it alone and thats my plan atm. I could split my way to it next year but im not going to do that, i want to grow at a steady pace.

[@romainapiculteur]

hello a little hello from a beekeeper in France bravo I love your videos see you soon

[@3Beehivesto300]

Do you or have you tried used concrete steel plywood ( form board). It’s really dark colored and no need to wax dip.

[@andywhite9932]

Now I have to rebuild all these pallets i made during Spring Covid Lockdown. Lol

[@ke6gwf]

This truck driver approves of the more stable design! I learned early in my career that when I load something on my truck, I want it EXACTLY where I put it when I get to my destination, whether cars, pallets, heavy equipment or whatever. I don't accept ANY movement lol I have been yelled at by many bosses, and heckled by other drivers for using too many tie-downs, but then when they have a sketchy load they usually ask me for help... With the wobbly stack I would probably need some front to back and some cinch straps to hold everything tight and keep me happy (for long trips anyway lol), but that new design would make me happy!

[@GornaPaseka]

Thanks

[@437AlBig]

That new pallet design is really going to help you out. It was a great idea. The gifts I believe are from folks who just want to say thanks for all you do for us other beeks. I sincerely hope no one is hoping to get something back from you other than very helpful videos.

[@TylerJSpry]

Appreciate the videos! I've only got 15 colonies (3 are your nucs and 3 more are descendants! ;) ) but I've decided to start streamlining things with my equipment because of watching you work and noticing how much less work and time saving it is to use these methods. I changed to migratory covers (also easier to build), plan to build pallets to go to a pallet system (now that you have a new design from Brad I'll have to try it), and we're building a honey house next Spring/Summer so I can start to winter indoors. This beekeeping thing is quite enjoyable/addicting and having experienced bee keepers who are willing to share their knowledge is awesome and inspiring. Thanks again and keep up the good work! :)

[@ThatBeeMan]

Thanks for your interest in my pallets. I have three videos that show the building of my pallets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGPRlmNupLaXgrM kzbin.info/www/bejne/m32Zd2BtoM9ja5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYCYi6tjipKHnrc I also have a video that shows the building of my covers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5DVg4ygn9qeo7s There are Sketchup diagrams available for both: 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/?q=that%20bee%20man%20%40%20faith%20apiaries&searchTab=model

[@TylerJSpry]

@@ThatBeeMan I’ll check them out! Was watching your vids about using the foam on the hives. I’m very interested/intrigued by this idea! I’ll keep tabs in the spring to see how your girls are doing!

[@ThatBeeMan]

@@TylerJSpry Thanks for watching, I truly appreciate it. Ironically, as you've noticed, my insulation experiment has completely negated my interlocking pallet/lid design...oh well. I'll be moving in today or tomorrow, overnights are reaching -10c now so we're almost out of time. Have a good winter!

[@quivalla]

Wait til you get past 100k......hhaahhahah. People will be parachuting pallets loaded with bees in your yard. Great stuff.

[@mielemontello]

Ciao amico mio, ti sto osservando da molto, e posso dire anche sono piccolo apicoltore con poca esperienza, che tu sei il numero uno, sei il mio idolo, l'unico problema che non parlo inglese... Ti ringrazio per tutti i tuoi video, mi hanno aiutato molto, grazie e buona fortuna fratello mio 👍👍👍👍

[@TheFarmacySeedsNetwork]

Love the new pallet design! We are still sunny and 70's F here in the daytime... I'm not complaining! Enjoying the nice weather and hearing my bees buzzing on the sugar syrup feeds! Went through 19 lbs of sugar already.. good opportunity to stock them up before winter, I was afraid the last snow and cold snap was the end of opportunities. New tripod makes nice camera work eh? I'm still a "walker and shaker" lol. Thanks for the update!

[@frankk5731]

Farmer frank here from CT. can't thank you enough for your wealth of information, you have been so helpful to me. A sincere thank you! I couldn't agree more that you need to be in touch with mother nature and listen to the environment around you, she often talks we just have to listen more and be in tune!

[@HaUsSssss]

I've been looking at building some 4-ways like that, only problem I can see with this design is my novice skill with a skid loader. I could see the cleats grabbing if I don't raise the load high enough and end up tipping a stack right onto my lap lol. Again, I'm pretty green with a loader but I still think this is the way to go.

[@jeffsea6490]

Great Content Ian 👍

[@leesommer5871]

Are those lids and boxes made with 3/4” treated plywood?

[@ThatBeeMan]

3/4" spruce plywood wax-dipped after constructed.

[@drjmarkrodgers1428]

Great innovation

[@justinjwr]

Regarding the shaking - something like the new go pros take a bigger than needed picture and cut it down to stabilize the image. Look into that. Regarding the gifts - you're sharing a beautiful resource with your beekeeping videos. Keep your address private. You have a family and the internet is a crazy place. Keep the awesome content coming, your videos are a joy.

[@lippardr]

How many hives equals a load on your truck? Thanks

[@townsendassvlanche7956]

you should be able to trim the outer covers on a table saw to match up with the new pallets , so you don't have to make all new top covers when you make new pallets. just set the depth to .75" and set the fence to the new width and run them through upside down.

[@rajbeekie7124]

I am delighted the tripod is working for you. I am guessing you are wondering what to do with the gifts that have no immediate use. Getting gifts is great, but once you have stuff, gifts can be a hassle to deal with. Most tend to just take up space. As a beekeeper of 6 hives, I have enough bee books, bee mugs, bee stuff, etc. I can easily say, I don't want my kids or friends to give me another bee anything. Now, I tell my kids, a Mann Lake coupon would be appreciated. This is something I will use.

[@kobyhumbert4798]

How come you guys don't use hummerbees? Is the pallet swing thing easier to use for you when it comes to pulling honey?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Preference

[@julieenslow5915]

How long do you think it will take to replace all the old pallets as they require it?

[@gregm312]

nice upgrade to your pallet design , that will add alot of stability for transportation and storage

[@timmyrmitchell3740]

I have watched many of your videos and i love what you do. Thank you so much!

[@backyardbeesllc5691]

Would you be willing to provide a downloadable plan for those new pallets and migratory lids?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Maybe look up Brad Hogg Faith Apiaries, his KZbin channel is That BeeMan

[@ThatBeeMan]

Thanks for your interest in my pallets. I have three videos that show the building of my pallets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGPRlmNupLaXgrM kzbin.info/www/bejne/m32Zd2BtoM9ja5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYCYi6tjipKHnrc I also have a video that shows the building of my covers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5DVg4ygn9qeo7s There are Sketchup diagrams available for both: 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/?q=that%20bee%20man%20%40%20faith%20apiaries&searchTab=model

[@normabroussard9560]

Can we get the measurements on the pallets?

[@ThatBeeMan]

Check out the links in the description. Feel free to comment on my videos with any further questions.

[@KayiFarmJaHoneyBees]

Always improving and finding ways to making things be more efficient and less risk adverse. Cheers from Jamaica!

[@ThatBeeMan]

Thanks, buddy. I'm glad the new design is working out for you.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Coffee is the staple of life around the farm. That will hopefully help prevent toppling of the hives off the forklift. Impressive design continuous improvement. Thanks Ian.

[@adam.millerchip]

Did you get a new camera too? The picture quality for the first half of the video seemed much better than normal. The second half was the same as always (slightly blurry, but maybe it's just me?)

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Same camera

[@437AlBig]

That new pallet design is really going to help you out. It was a great idea. The gifts I believe are from folks who just want to say thanks for all you do for us other beeks. I sincerely hope no one is hoping to get something back from you other than very helpful videos.

[@Jack-es9xq]

for future consideration - after the pallet design is finalized it might pay in the long run to have the pallets made of plastic. given how many you use I'd guess the economics of it are right

[@donotcare330]

everyone likes your videos. keep on posting! You give every commercial beekeeper a GOOD name and help the community do the job better!

[@johnoliver9885]

Would you please get someone to take a picture of you using the tripod it would add a thousand words of description to the process.

[@adamfredrickson7908]

Now you need GOPRO!

[@eddevault4604]

Whoops....lol....

[@milkmansteve1]

Youre awesome ,Ian ... You give so much to us with your videos im glad youre getting some returns. #PromoteBrilliance

[@psevdoNic___]

Пожалуйста, Иан в настройках поставь перевод на русский

[@birddawg1568]

I had to stop the video and comment on the new perspectives. Totally awesome. I love it. Now if you could send the aroma of that beautiful field thru the video, it would be perfect.

[@ЮрійМалихін-г9м]

Просто класс!

[@drjmarkrodgers1428]

I’m impressed your fields support the weight of your truck like it does. Not even leaving ruts.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Dry fall

[@steliandone4078]

When you stuck them together the clips are incorporated into them? I like to develop a fully functional 2 w pallets and I like what I see but I like to know how the clips are distributed. With much respect Ian.

[@maherelachkar4470]

thank you

[@kellysanders3875]

What would you recommend for transport and lift for a beekeeper with less then 100 hives?

[@abcaxy7701]

Fajnie prowadzona pasieka , Yes .OK. Poland

[@broersmasteve8033]

Ian how many times in a year or season have you gassed bees with oa? And did you have negative results with too much or too often?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I hit them once, Jurry is out yet on health effects

[@jakar1000]

🌹🤚

[@larrytornetta9764]

I don’t like seeing you putting those top pallets on by yourself.

[@shadowknightgladstay4856]

Cool mod on the pallets.

[@JBEESHoneyJoelBrutcher]

Brad does rock at the woodworking!

[@ThatBeeMan]

Thanks man!

[@AmericansBee]

​@ThatBeeMan do you make his equipment?

[@jlemieu1]

Great work on your vlog. You might want to use a small gimble to stabilize the shoot a little more

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

What’s a gimbale?

[@douglasross7300]

We really appreciate your videos!!!

[@vcanura]

Great videos Ian!! Thanks for sharing.

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Practicality

[@Jack-es9xq]

they might even be made to interlock for increased stability

[@georgegoertzen4723]

You're too Canadian, Ian!

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I love that lol

[@johnvanderwalker4830]

I am curious about the controls on your lift, I can't see how you control that thing. That is an impressively tight load. I'm impressed.

[@ke6gwf]

Imagine a square frame inside another square frame. The outer square frame is the yellow structural frame that you grip with your hands to steer the load, and the inner square frame is pivoted in the middle, and you have your thumbs hooked around it. Then it works like a giant paddle switch. You push on one side of the inner frame and the winch goes up, and the outer side for down. Then the boom is just free swinging and moves by you pulling in the direction you desire. The mast auto levels so that it all stays level and proper.

[@johnvanderwalker4830]

@@ke6gwf When I was in the business back in the 80s-90s a friend of mine built a boom loader that could pick up 8-ten frame double deep hives at a time, it was a monstrous thing that he only used for a few years and then sold to an equipment company. His was very efficient but it was not a fluid as what you are operating. I have to say that I am impressed with your operation and especially your honey production. If I had been able to have crops like that I may have stayed with it. I started as an apprentice beekeeper in my teens and bought the outfit from the man I worked for, 1400 hives. The innovations you showcase are impressive and make me think if I had done things the way you are it would have been more fun. I pollinated in three states, everything from fruit to vegetables and seed. Lots of windshield time and less fishing time. I commend you on your operation.

[@RippleAffect]

Hello Ian when are you going to start doing live streams? 😉

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

HA ! I can’t talk like Kamon ! He went for 3 hrs yesterday 👍

[@RippleAffect]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog I don't think many people could talk as much as him but I do enjoy all the information 😂😂😂I'm sure you can do an hour 🤣🤣🤣

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I’m not so sure about that, I’m not really suited for a live interaction like that! I need someone to talk to lol

[@RippleAffect]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog Well I gotta try because you make great videos with great information keep up the great work and thank you for your time and effort 😉

[@ke6gwf]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog do you remember WHY you started making these videos in the first place? ;) Maybe this is another belief to disprove lol You are getting good at talking through thoughts without needing to edit, so maybe start out picking a list of questions that will take about half an hour to address, and treat it like a presentation at a conference, and when you are done with your questions, you can declare success and say good night, or you can look through the live chat and respond to anything that you see interesting, etc. I think if you start it as you covering planned material, you will be able to get into it easier, and have an escape if you need it, but that you will discover that you enjoy it and like hanging out with some of your cool subscribers! You could also enlist your kids or Carrie or someone to pick good questions from the chat, or just be there to interact with you, make faces at you from behind the camera, or at us from in front of the camera lol I think you should probably try it at least once, and see if you actually enjoy it, and if it fits with your goals for starting this project. I will be here enjoying whatever you give us in the mean time!

[@kostaskeramidas9323]

🇬🇷👍🐝

[@randyp3675]

Nice to see no mud this year.

[@kellyellingson2335]

Awesome! Would like the specs to make these new pallets

[@ThatBeeMan]

Thanks for your interest in my pallets. I have three videos that show the building of my pallets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGPRlmNupLaXgrM kzbin.info/www/bejne/m32Zd2BtoM9ja5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYCYi6tjipKHnrc I also have a video that shows the building of my covers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5DVg4ygn9qeo7s There are Sketchup diagrams available for both: 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/?q=that%20bee%20man%20%40%20faith%20apiaries&searchTab=model

[@muzzeglatze5324]

Coole Idee...

[@mysticalsprings1998]

Everyone loves you ❤💗♥ I have been trying to keep bees for ten years but can't seem to find success, so it's much cheaper just watching you doing a spectacular job through every adversity.

[@shadowknightgladstay4856]

Less shake more bounce.

[@plainsimple442]

Don't know how you take all of that abuse from Kamon today?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Ha ha tongue in cheek👍 I love spars between beekeeper friends, all in good taste 🥂

[@максимрепкин-й3х]

Интересно, но не понятно.

[@abeillesmerveilles73]

👍😉

[@RippleAffect]

I like the new pallets 👍🏻

[@gerryrozema8338]

Are the new palettes dipped?

[@ThatBeeMan]

Wax dipping provided by Lewis and Sons Enterprises in Austin, Manitoba.

[@aleksandrmorgunov4988]

Very good ☺️

[@jozsip]

I was experimenting with the design you were talking about, that you made and yes I had instability problems with it. The narrower top cleats I also tried but I think the wider is better so I just left everything the old way. I am still thinking of something more interlocking and this might be the way. Thank you again!

[@ThatBeeMan]

@jozsip I'm interested to learn more about your experience with this pallet runner placement. Can you tell me, how far back were your runners placed? How wide were the pallet runners? Thanks.

[@jozsip]

@@ThatBeeMan i sett them back 4” from the outer edge so they could interlock with the cover too cleats. But when they were placed on the ground, they were unstable because they were closer to the centre. So I just left them out on the edge of the pellet and they just sit right on top of the cleats when they stacked on top of each other. This way the hives are stable when placed on the ground. I think it is not worth to change the original design.

[@ThatBeeMan]

@@jozsip Mine are set back only 2 1/4". It's a trade-off between a narrower lid cleat and a bit more pallet stability.

[@jozsip]

@@ThatBeeMan I might try that. Thank you for your information!!!

[@peaceonearth8693]

I had the thought the other day, when everything went back out for the nice weather. What if a freeze suddenly is in the forecast and some equipment breaks? Like a loader or a truck. Bit of a risk in playing it so close maybe?

[@blaahster]

Bees would just be exposed to the elements longer, they can overwinter outside but survive much better in a climate controlled building

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Such is farming

[@ke6gwf]

A lot of beekeepers up there winter outside anyway, so if he was totally unable to bring them in, he would just have to stock up on tar paper or whatever and wrap them for the winter. I bet they would still come through better than the neighbors, because Ian prepares them better lol

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Ha ha ha I couldn’t of said it better myself 🥂🤐

[@kellycarpenter9350]

Not train crain

[@liargoldlg8652]

👍

[@1768ify]

I noticed that you don’t stack the NUC pallets before you trip them to the truck. Is this because of the instability? The new design should help with this. Also, have you tried using composite material for the bottom cleats? Seems like it would make the whole pallet last longer.