MAINSTAR AUSTRALIA · PRODUCT GUIDE

How to use your BeeHive Manifold

From first setup to the final jar: a practical guide to collecting honey from multiple harvesting tubes into one container.

Follow the instructions ↓Shop the manifold →

Mainstar BeeHive Manifold connected to a honey collection bucket

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Check your parts

1 × BeeHive Manifold
1 × manifold lid
6 × inlet plugs
1 × 90° outlet tube

Optional, purchased separately: 290 mm food-grade nylon tube, to connect to the 90° outlet. Cut to suit your collection container.

Important: Hand-wash all components in warm water before use. Do not use a dishwasher.

STEP-BY-STEP

Set up and start harvesting

STEP 01

Prepare your collection container

Cut the optional food-grade nylon tube to the required length. Using a hole saw, drill a suitable opening in the lid of your honey collection container so the tube fits neatly.

Food-grade nylon tube being cut to length

STEP 02

Select the frames to harvest

Choose the frames you wish to harvest and insert the harvesting tubes into the selected frame outlets.

Harvesting tubes fitted into selected hive outlets

STEP 03

Seal any unused inlets

Insert the supplied plugs into every manifold inlet that will not be used. Check that they are seated securely.

Inlet plugs being fitted to the manifold

STEP 04

Fit the manifold

Press the manifold onto the installed harvesting tubes. The tubes should fit snugly into the manifold inlets.

Manifold inlet tubes positioned at the hive

STEP 05

Connect the outlet to the bucket

Attach the 90° outlet tube to the cut nylon tube. Feed the nylon tube through the hole in the collection-container lid, then fit the 90° outlet into the manifold outlet.

Manifold outlet tube feeding into a bucket

STEP 06

Begin opening the frames gradually

For best results, insert the harvesting key approximately 40–50 mm and open that section first. Wait until honey reaches the manifold before opening further. This gradual start is recommended in the supplied guide to help avoid flooding the hive.

Manifold and outlet during honey harvesting

STEP 07

Open the gate and collect honey

Open the manifold gate and allow the honey to flow through the outlet into your collection container. Keep an eye on the fill level.

STEP 08

Swap containers when full

Close the gate, disconnect the 90° outlet, and replace the drilled lid with a proper sealing lid. Position another container, reconnect the outlet and reopen the gate to continue.

AFTER HARVESTING

Finish, wash and store

Once harvesting is complete and the frames have been reset, remove the manifold and hand-wash it in warm water. Allow the parts to dry before storage.

For questions about your manifold, email Order@mainstar.com.au or call 0400 521 774.

View the BeeHive Manifold →

Manifold, plugs and outlet tube laid out before assembly

Flow® and Flow Hive® are registered trademarks of BeeInventive Pty Ltd, a company unrelated to Mainstar Australia Pty Ltd. This accessory was independently developed and tested and is not endorsed by BeeInventive.