Beehive lifter Kaptarlift® PRO

You know the scene: peak rosemary flow, supers packed, rough ground between rows. For years I needed an extra pair of hands—or a brave back. With the Hive Lift AWD that ends: you work solo, smooth and precise, with bees and spine both calm.

The job is simple: move complete Layens, Langstroth or Dadant Blatt hives upright and without knocks. The wide pneumatic wheels and all-wheel electric drive (AWD) pull for you, even on wet grass or ruts. Speed is progressive up to 6.5 km/h with an electronic reverse to slip between hives without effort.

The difference is in the FlexiGrip arms: rubber-coated jaws that adjust from 38 to 70 cm. Clamp where it belongs (brood body), no marks on wood or polystyrene, then the lift takes over—0–107 cm in 11 s via a chain drive. Load the trailer alone, raise a three-super Langstroth to work the brood box, or shift nucs during lavender with millimetric control.

• Veteran tip: clamp slightly above the center of gravity; it balances better when you tilt.

• On polystyrene, don’t over-tighten—the rubber already grips.

• For migratory beekeeping, close the entrance, strap the lid and move at dawn or dusk: less drift, less stress.

• On loose eucalyptus soils, let the AWD pull and you just steer to avoid sinking.

The Li-ion battery is removable, giving 4 h of real work. Charge it in the shed or at home in about 6 h—even off the machine. The galvanized frame shrugs off weather year after year.

Honest limits: rated 100 kg; heavy concrete stands or full pallets are not its game. In deep mud or steep slopes it moves, but drive with sense. Overall width is 68.5 cm: fits most paths—measure narrow aisles first.

Specs, straight up: max speed 6.5 km/h with electronic reverse; lift range 0–107 cm in 11 s; capacity 100 kg; jaws 38–70 cm; runtime 4 h, charge 6 h; wheels 4.80/4.00-8 (tube); weight 54 kg; dimensions 167 × 68.5 × 48 cm; galvanized finish; removable Li-ion battery chargeable off the unit.