This New Hillco Honey Extractor is a BEAST

I decided to order a new Hillco honey extractor and it is a beast! Join Rusty from ‪@herdingbeeswithrustyandmik3689‬ and me as we unbox the extractor and share our first impressions of the product. It was a lot of fun and I really expect it will help us with our honey harvesting efficiency!
Check out Hillco's website: Hillco.buzz
Check out Hillco on KZbin ‪@hillcollc‬
Rusty's channel ‪@herdingbeeswithrustyandmik3689‬
Link for Instantvap/Lorobbees Oxalic Acid Vaporizers: lorobbees.com/....
Link for Hive Alive (Code BRUCE10 for 10% discount): usa.hivealiveb...
Super DFM Probiotics (Code BRUCE10 for 10% discount): www.strongmicr...
Simplkomb (Code BRUCE10 for a 10% discount): simplkomb.com
#brucesbees #honeyharvest #hillco

[@scottreese5492]

John with Hillco is awesome, ive bought a bunch of his units and they are all heavy duty, excellent customer service, amazing packaging/shipping and an unbeatable warranty. The 18 frame i use is the best thing ive bought along with Robs instantvap OA unit

[@brucesbees]

Excited to give it a try with live frames.

[@jobycarpenter4449]

John stands behind all his products too! They are a great company, I’m switching it all their products in our setup

[@markespich8574]

Isn’t it odd how a hobby you enjoy can become a labor of love. Congratulations guys and God bless y’all and the Bees.

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely. Thanks!

[@mikeshelton9051]

John and team are good people to do business with. I love HillCo products! I purchased the same extractor and picked it up at NAHBE in January. I've yet to harvest my honey, but I know it will make the process easier. I most recently received a 24-gallon clarifier tank from them at a bargain price. These new additions should fix the bottlenecks I was running into.

[@brucesbees]

Yes. Good people.

[@Beeyond-the-lake-honey-co.]

John earned my business yrs ago. He is a stand up guy. Would highly recommend!!!

[@richardpraeger6357]

Can't wait to give it a spin.

[@redfish440]

I bought a six frame back in march, I’m really pleased with how smooth it runs and how simple it is to operate, great products from Hilco! That unit will definitely help your speed. Thanks for sharing Bruce

[@tarheelbeekeeper3971]

John is a great person to work with, great products and customer service

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely!

[@phillipduncan2497]

I have the 9 frame version I picked up at the Expo. Can't wait to use it.

[@GrammyMidwife]

Awesome! Can’t wait to try it out with you. Buy once, cry once! But not for long.

[@robertselfridge3690]

Awesome piece of equipment, looks like a great season so far. 👍🇺🇸

[@brucesbees]

It has certainly been good so far.

[@mikeshaw8744]

Over the last few years I've bought 5 large extraction items from Hillco. Only a few minor issues that John made right. Thats why I go back to them every time. Just feel a little sheepish knowing the stainless come from china last I heard.

[@brucesbees]

His customer service is second to none.

[@iantheghost]

I just got the Hillco minimax extractor. Super excited to put it to use this fall

[@woodlandharvesthoneycompanyllc]

I have a Hillco 18 frame. You are going to love that extractor. It is easy to clean also.

[@brucesbees]

Yes! I am looking forward to giving it a “spin!”

[@PennsylvaniaBeekeeper]

I ordered several items from Hillco this spring but it's all on backorder. I'm crossing fingers it gets here in time for honey harvest.

[@brucesbees]

Yikes. I hope so too. Have you emailed them to check status?

[@PennsylvaniaBeekeeper]

@@brucesbees yes, I emailed, and Hillco confirmed my extractor and bottling tank is on backorder until late June or July.

[@noahG82]

Will likely be putting in an order for one for these next week good timing on this video

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. We are impressed so far. Camry wait to give it a try with real live frames of honey.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Bruce I do not think you or ANYONE will go wrong with Hillco . I had one very very small issue it was not a problem an John an I talked an he went way way over an beyond . The man cares very much about his product being top notch but most of all his customers . He has that 18 frame extractor I will be getting as soon as the paying part of the honey starts it’s part this season. LOL . Thanks for the update. Thanks

[@brucesbees]

Yep i have always been impressed with John and his customer service.

[@barkersbees]

Oh man that is one good looking extractor! 😍

[@keithspillman]

Wow Bruce...that IS a BEAST!!!! Would take me a LOT longer to load than to spin!!! 😆 I hope the tallow flow keeps your new equipment busy!!!! Take care!!

[@brucesbees]

I think it will. Looking to be a record year!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Great purchase, you'll love it.

[@brucesbees]

Yep I think so. Looks impressive.

[@Vsgiga2]

Great video !! Just subscribed

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@jasonmartinez9007]

I bought a hilco megamax and uncap with a lyson uncapper similar to the silverqueen but a fraction of the price. We can extract a hundred gallons in 5 to 6 hours

[@brucesbees]

Sounds nice. The Hillco extractors are very nice.

[@tonywestsbees6042]

Good choice!!!

[@TexasBeekeeper]

Very nice Bruce! I picked up that same extractor last year after the season was over, so I haven't used it yet, but looking forward to it this year.

[@brucesbees]

Yeah we are looking forward to using it with love frames as well. After we opened this thing up Rusty bought one too!

[@jamestownsendjrtbees3226]

Beautiful! Big time.

[@MagnoliaSpringsFarm19]

It's very nice! GOALS! 😉

[@josephrawls]

Great purchase Bruce. I would love to have that one but I would have to build a larger honey house. 😆🤣

[@brucesbees]

I hear ya man. I am fortunate to have a good friend that has a nice facility and is willing to put up with my craziness haha. Actually after he saw this new extractor he ordered one. So we will have two of those things running. Hopefully non-stop!

[@gallowaylights]

Now, for a bigger capacity wax filtering method. I can't wait to see your solution. 😊

[@brucesbees]

Yeah we are trying to figure that out. Maybe we have come up with a solution. We will see!

[@chrisgolden8199]

Thanks for all the content. Have any updates on the long hive?

[@brucesbees]

I should probably do something about that. I honestly have so much going on with the rest of the colonies that the long hive has pretty much been on its own. I will say that last year’s colony basically fizzled out earlier this year and I put a new coming in there that seems to be doing fine. Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe I will do so thing soon.

[@utahbeeman]

I love my Hillco 24 frame.

[@brucesbees]

Yep. An impressive product. Looking forward to giving it a try with real frames of honey

[@KajunHomestead]

Awesome ❤

[@jeromyhartzog1935]

with 3 big extractors that should speed up things nicely!

[@LocalBuzzLLC]

Very nice

[@brucesbees]

Thanks!

[@beverlysteen]

Looks awesome, do you have a wax spinner?

[@brucesbees]

Yes. It’s an old one. But it worked for our first harvest.

[@sybilreneemcgowan1472]

“But we’re men” Loved that. So true.

[@brucesbees]

Ha! No doubt😏

[@rpeebles]

We dont need no stinking instructions! 😂

[@brucesbees]

No doubt haha!

[@briangrammer898]

❤❤VIDEO ❤❤

[@brucesbees]

Hal’s you enjoyed it

[@Itstime2029]

How much work is needed to clean it after the honey harvest

[@brucesbees]

Haven’t used it much but it looks like it will be super easy.

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Love Hillco too but I never understand why the motor is on top off the spinner and not under like some European ones to make it less vibrating and easier loading etc

[@BlanchardsBees]

I want a hillco soooo bad I've been saving my piggy bank

[@brucesbees]

They are very nice. Many different sizes for different budgets and needs. Which were you thinking about buying?

[@michaelshelnutt3534]

John’s dedication to both quality and service is excellent.

[@sawmillcharliesbeefarm]

Bruce much honey you and your friend extract I don't know why you haven't invested into a mini extraction line instead of piecemeal it like you are.

[@brucesbees]

Because this it what we have decided to do. We have been building as we go. We are getting pretty close to an extraction line with the automated uncapper and now these Hillco extractors. Cost is consideration as well. It works for us.

[@scottgibler6675]

Will you like it better than your Maxant?

[@brucesbees]

I think so but we will see. I am all in now. Sold the Maxant.

[@scottgibler6675]

@@brucesbees would like to see a follow-up review after you use. Likes/dislikes. Appreciate your time!

[@brucesbees]

@scottgibler6675 our honey harvest will be happening soon. I am sure we will shoot a video. There is no doubt in my mind that this thing will do a good job. But we will see. After Rusty saw mine he ordered one too. We have already sold out other extractors. So we are all in.

[@Goochieman]

Aww to bad you didn’t have it a couple of days ago!! I’m not sure if you have a video or not but how do you do your bottling?

[@brucesbees]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5e3f5Shl9GGotEsi=9W4zwIFUKsGZ3eR-

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@Goochieman]

@@brucesbees you a legend!! See this is why I enjoy watching your videos you go above and beyond!

[@brucesbees]

@Goochieman hey thanks for the support. I have a long ways to go but trying to get a little better as time goes on.

[@Goochieman]

@@brucesbees well your doing an amazing job I really enjoy your videos and am always excited to see new uploads! You’re definitely headed in the right direction IMO!

[@edcoffin3514]

Always read the instructions first... you should of checked the crankcase oil on that beast of an engine, what is it 8 cylinder?

[@brucesbees]

We will make sure it is greased up good before we put it to use. John gives a good overview with all the specs here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6ClpImFaqiUsKcsi=wdMCUTkWnCFxlsiA

[@johniac7078]

Man I don't know about Hill Co. Their stuff is made in China. I hear Dadant called them out for advertising as made in US when they are only assembled in the US. Take a look at their honey pump. You can buy the same exact thing for half the price-made in China. I'll stick with Maxant and they are down the road 100% made in the USA.

[@brucesbees]

Ok. Do your thing.

[@amfarmsllc5624]

@@brucesbeesdo you know if this is true about hill co. and John? I have the 18 frame extractor from them and everything else maxant. I was always under the impression that everything of theirs was made in the USA.

[@brucesbees]

My understanding is that many of the parts come from China and they put everything together here in the US. I am not completely sure of the details. I’m sure if you contacted him he would be more specific. The only way to keep the price point where it is is to outsource parts. I think this is the case with much of what we buy. Unfortunately. But it really doesn’t bother me too much. He absolutely stands behind his products and in my experience his customer service is great. I know this is a touchy subject for some and I get it. But to me quality and customer service are key. I have purchased a Maxant extractor and bottling tank in the past and the products have been great but frankly the customer service was not good at all. It’s been a while so maybe things are better there now. Hope this helps.

[@johniac7078]

@@brucesbees No worries, but Dadant did go after them for falsely claiming US made. Anyway I live a Mile away for Maxant-100% made in Devens, MA at the plant. The only thing they send out is some stock for laser cuts, but to a MA company. But you are right and if people want to get into the game you can only do what you can do. I don't think they are bad, I am just a old New Englander......

[@johnhill5992]

Hi John! I'm John Hill, president and founder of HillCo. I just wanted to jump on here and clarify that yes, our extractor parts are mostly made in China to our specs, and we assemble them here. We do a lot more than just bolt a couple of parts together and call it "assembled in USA". We do the wiring here, and some reinforcement welding on the tanks. We also carefully assemble each drive system and test every one of them under load for 15 minutes, checking temperatures on the motor, gearbox, and controller chipset to ensure everything is running smoothly and within spec. Then each machine is carefully final-assembled, double checked, and packed in our own custom, locally sourced packaging. So yes, the parts are mostly made overseas, but we do a lot of work here in house, employing a team of 12 local, American folks in our shop to build, test, and pack these products. I would also note that there's a number of processes we do in our shop that my overseas manufacturers could do easily and cheaper, but we choose not to allow that, to make sure we're doing as much in-house as we can. We always say "assembled in USA". We have never, EVER stated or implied that our product is "made in USA". In fact, frequently when I'm talking to customers, they mention how glad they are that the product is "made in USA", and I make it a point to stop them and clarify the situation. If folks misinterpret it on their own, I can't help it, but we will never intentionally mislead people on this subject or any other subject. And finally, I'd say that I would love to make every part of these machines in America. I'm an American myself of course, and I want manufacturing to happen here. However, we're also trying to offer product that's affordable, particularly for the under-served market of sideliner beekeepers. In order to reach our target price-points, we have to use overseas manufacturing. On the other hand, I completely respect folks who chose to buy fully USA made products from our competitors, and I respect those competitors as well! Thanks for listening! I'm not trying to change your mind, but just wanted to clarify things if possible.

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

What is the weight Bruce?

[@brucesbees]

I believe it weighs around 170 or 180 pounds. Ship weight. But I’m not exactly sure. I texted Rusty. If that is not accurate I will let you know.

[@brucesbees]

Shipping weight was 170 including the pallet/box etc.