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HillCo Maxx18 Radial Extractor

The HillCo Maxx18 is an electric, 18-frame radial honey extractor. It can hold up to 18 medium/shallow Langstroth frames or 9 deep Langstroth frames. In a radial extractor, the frames are positioned around the basket with the comb facing outward, allowing honey to be extracted from both sides of the frame without manually flipping the frames. The Maxx18 is powered by a ½ HP PowerMax motor and uses a digital variable-speed controller. 

Manufacturer Product Manual

QUICK TIPS

  • Balance your frames. Evenly distribute frames around the basket, especially when running a partial load.

  • Start carefully and increase speed gradually.

  • Keep the honey gate open during extraction so honey can drain continuously.

  • Watch for excessive vibration or wobbling. Stop and rebalance if needed.

  • Make sure the extractor is level and stable before operating.

  • Stop completely before opening the lid.

  • Don't allow honey to build up unnecessarily in the bottom of the tank.

  • Never force a frame into the basket.

  • Do not flip radial frames. Both sides are extracted during the same rotation.

  • Clean and sanitize the extractor after every use.

VIDEO ON HOW TO USE EQUIPMENT

How to use

Before you start

  1. Make sure the extractor is clean and sanitized.

  2. Place the extractor on a stable, level surface.

  3. Place a clean, food-safe bucket or container under the honey gate.

  4. Make sure the honey gate is open so honey can drain during extraction. HillCo recommends operating the extractor with the honey gate open when possible.

  5. Check that the legs, lid, and other hardware are secure.

  6. Make sure the basket spins freely and that nothing is touching the extractor.

Load the frames

  1. Place up to 18 medium/shallow Langstroth frames or 9 deep Langstroth frames into the extractor.

  2. Arrange the frames evenly around the basket.

  3. If using fewer than the maximum number of frames, distribute them evenly to keep the load balanced.

  4. Make sure each frame is seated securely before starting.

Extract

  1. Close and secure the lid.

  2. Plug the extractor into a wall outlet.

  3. Turn on the controller.

  4. Start the extractor and gradually increase the speed as honey is removed.

  5. Monitor the extractor for excessive vibration or wobbling.

  6. Continue extracting until the frames are adequately emptied.

  7. Reduce the speed and stop the extractor completely before opening the lid.

  8. Check the frames and repeat the extraction cycle if additional honey needs to be removed.

Finish

  1. Stop the extractor completely.

  2. Open the lid and carefully remove the frames.

  3. Close the honey gate when finished.

  4. Clean and sanitize the extractor according to the Honey House cleaning SOP.

Important: This is a radial extractor, so frames do not need to be flipped during extraction. Never open the lid while the basket is moving. If the extractor begins to shake or wobble excessively, stop the machine and check that the extractor is level and that the frames are evenly balanced. HillCo specifically identifies uneven loading and an unlevel surface as common causes of vibration. 

COMMON ISSUES

  • Likely causes:

    • The unit is not plugged into a working outlet.

    • The power switch/controller is not turned on.

    • Electrical connection is loose.

    • Motor, controller, or wiring issue. 

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Confirm the extractor is plugged into a working outlet.

    2. Check that the power switch/controller is turned on.

    3. Check the power cord and connections for visible damage.

    4. Make sure the basket is not obstructed.

    5. If the unit still does not start, stop troubleshooting and contact Honey House staff.

    High Priority

    Do not attempt to open or repair the motor, controller, or electrical components yourself.

  • Likely causes:

    • Frames are not evenly distributed around the basket.

    • The load is unbalanced, particularly when using fewer than the maximum number of frames.

    • Frames are not seated correctly.

    • Extractor is not level or stable.

    • A frame or other component is contacting the basket.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop the extractor completely.

    2. Wait until the basket has stopped moving before opening the lid.

    3. Check that the extractor is stable and level.

    4. Check that the frames are positioned evenly around the basket.

    5. Make sure frames are seated correctly and securely.

    6. Check that no frame is loose or interfering with the basket.

    7. Restart at a low speed and gradually increase.High Priority

    Do not continue operating an extractor that is shaking severely. Excessive vibration can damage the equipment.

  • Likely causes:

    • Frames were not fully uncapped.

    • Honey is particularly thick or cold.

    • Extractor speed is too low.

    • Frames are positioned incorrectly.

    • Honey has not had enough time to drain from the comb.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Confirm that both sides of each frame have been properly uncapped.

    2. Make sure frames are positioned correctly in the radial basket.

    3. Start extraction at a low speed.

    4. Gradually increase the speed as appropriate.

    5. Allow additional time for honey to be extracted and drain from the frames.

    6. If honey remains unusually difficult to extract, stop the extractor and consult Honey House staff.Medium Priority

    Medium Priority

  • Likely causes:

    • The extractor is overloaded.

    • The basket or frames are obstructed.

    • Honey is accumulating in the bottom of the extractor.

    • The motor or controller has overheated.

    • An electrical issue is affecting operation.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop the extractor and allow the basket to come to a complete stop.

    2. Check that the frames are not obstructing the basket.

    3. Check the honey level in the bottom of the extractor and make sure the honey gate is open.

    4. If the motor or controller feels unusually hot, allow the equipment to cool before attempting to restart.

    5. Restart at a low speed.

    6. If the problem continues, stop using the extractor and contact Honey House staff.High Priority
       Stop immediately if frames are repeatedly breaking or becoming damaged.

    High Priority
    Do not attempt to repair the motor, controller, or electrical components.

  • Likely causes:

    • Honey gate is closed.

    • Honey gate is clogged.

    • Honey is too thick or cold.

    • Collection container is full or incorrectly positioned.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop the extractor if necessary and confirm the basket has stopped moving.

    2. Check that the honey gate is open.

    3. Confirm that the collection container is positioned correctly underneath the gate.

    4. Check whether the honey gate is visibly clogged.

    5. If a blockage is present, follow the Honey House cleaning and sanitation SOP rather than forcing the gate open.

    6. If the honey still does not drain, contact Honey House staff.

    Medium Priority

  • Likely causes:

    • Frames are not seated correctly.

    • Frames are not evenly distributed.

    • The extractor is being operated at too high a speed.

    • Frames are not compatible with the basket configuration.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop the extractor completely.

    2. Open the lid only after the basket has stopped moving.

    3. Check that each frame is seated securely.

    4. Confirm that the frames are evenly distributed around the basket.

    5. Confirm that the frames are the appropriate size for the Maxx18.

    6. Restart at a low speed and monitor the extractor carefully.

    High Priority

    Do not operate the extractor if a frame cannot be secured properly.

  • Likely causes:

    • A frame is positioned incorrectly.

    • A frame or other component is interfering with the lid.

    • The lid is not aligned correctly.

    • The lid or latch is damaged.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Do not attempt to force the lid closed.

    2. Confirm that all frames are seated correctly.

    3. Check for anything obstructing the lid.

    4. Reposition the lid and make sure it is properly aligned.

    5. If the lid still does not close or secure properly, do not operate the extractor.

    6. Contact Honey House staff.High Priority

    High Priority

    Never operate the extractor with the lid unsecured.

SAF Natura Combo Extractor

The SN350 is a tangential extractor paired with a 50 kg settling tank and filtering sieve. The SAF Natura product listing identifies the extractor as a 2-frame/4-frame model, depending on frame configuration. It can also accommodate 3 deep Langstroth or 6 medium/shallow Langstroth frames.

Manufacturer Product Manual

QUICK TIPS

  • Balance the frames before turning the crank.

  • Start slowly and increase speed gradually.

  • Stop before opening the lid.

  • Keep an eye on the filter and settling tank while extracting.

  • Don’t force the crank if the basket becomes difficult to turn.

  • Clean wax and honey from the filter before it becomes difficult to remove.

VIDEO ON HOW TO USE EQUIPMENT

How to use

Before you start

  1. Make sure the extractor, basket, filter, and settling tank are clean and sanitized.

  2. Place a clean container under the honey outlet if needed.

  3. Make sure the honey outlet is open and the settling tank/filter is properly positioned.

    Load the frames

  4. Open the extractor lid.

  5. Place up to 2 full-size frames in the basket, positioned opposite each other for balance.

  6. Make sure the frames are seated securely.

    Extract

  7. Close the lid.

  8. Turn the crank slowly to begin extraction.

  9. Gradually increase the speed as hone is removed.

  10. Stop and turn the frames around to extract the opposite side.

  11. Repeat until the frames are adequately emptied.

    Filter & Settle

  12. Allow the extracted honey to drain through the built-in filter/sieve.

  13. Monitor the settling tank so it does not overfill.

  14. Allow honey to settle before transferring or bottling, according to the Honey House SOP.

  15. Use the settling tank’s outlet to transfer honey when ready.

    Finish

  16. Remove the empty frames.

  17. Close the honey outlet.

  18. Clean and sanitize the extractor, basket, filter, and settling tank according to the Honey House cleaning SOP.

Important: This is a tangential extractor, so frames must be turned over to extract both sides.

COMMON ISSUES

  • Likely causes:

    • Frames are incorrectly positioned.

    • Extractor is overloaded.

    • Frame is contacting the basket or drum.

    • Honey or wax buildup is interfering with movement.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop turning the extractor.

    2. Remove the lid if necessary.

    3. Check that frames are properly seated.

    4. Confirm that the basket can rotate freely.

    5. Remove any visible wax or debris.

    6. Do not force the crank if resistance continues.

    High Priority

    Never force the crank. Continued force may damage the drive mechanism.

  • Likely causes:

    • Frames are unevenly distributed.

    • Frames are not properly seated.

    • The extractor is not positioned securely.

    • The extraction speed is too high.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop the extractor completely.

    2. Check that the extractor is sitting securely.

    3. Redistribute the frames evenly.

    4. Make sure frames are properly positioned in the basket.

    5. Restart slowly.

    6. Increase speed gradually.

    High Priority

    Stop using the extractor if it continues to move, rock, or vibrate excessively.

  • Likely causes:

    • Frames have not been fully uncapped.

    • Honey is thick.

    • The extraction speed is too low.

    • One side of the frame has not yet been extracted.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Confirm that the frame has been properly uncapped.

    2. Start extraction gradually.

    3. Stop the extractor completely.

    4. Flip the frame.

    5. Extract the opposite side.

    6. Repeat as necessary.

    Medium Priority

  • Likely causes:

    • The honey valve is closed.

    • Honey is too thick.

    • Wax or debris is blocking the valve.

    • The collection container is full or incorrectly positioned.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Confirm that the honey valve is open.

    2. Check the container below the outlet.

    3. Inspect the valve for visible wax or debris.

    4. Allow thick honey additional time to drain.

    5. Clean the valve according to the Honey House cleaning SOP.

    Medium Priority

  • Likely causes:

    • The extractor valve is closed.

    • The connecting/filtering area is blocked.

    • Honey is too thick to flow efficiently.

    • The settling tank is positioned incorrectly.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Confirm that the extractor outlet is open.

    2. Check the path between the extractor and settling tank.

    3. Inspect the filter/sieve for wax or debris buildup.

    4. Make sure the settling tank is positioned securely.

    5. Do not force honey through a blocked filter.

    6. Stop and clean the filter if necessary.

    Medium Priority

  • Likely causes:

    • Excess wax or comb debris in extracted honey.

    • Filter/sieve has not been cleaned.

    • Honey is particularly thick.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop adding honey to the filter.

    2. Allow the honey already in the system to drain.

    3. Remove the filter/sieve according to the equipment instructions.

    4. Remove accumulated wax and debris.

    5. Clean and sanitize the filter.

    6. Reinstall before continuing.

    Medium Priority

  • Likely causes:

    • Valve is not fully closed.

    • Valve connection is loose.

    • Debris is preventing the valve from sealing. Damaged gasket or valve component.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop extraction.

    2. Close the valve.

    3. Clean honey and wax from around the connection.

    4. Check that the valve is properly seated.

    5. Inspect for visible damage.

    6. If the valve continues to leak, stop using the equipment and notify Honey House staff.

    High Priority

  • Likely causes:

    • Too much honey is entering the tank.

    • Honey is not draining from the tank.

    • Outlet/valve is closed.

    • The filter is clogged.

    Troubleshooting:

    1. Stop extraction immediately.

    2. Close the flow from the extractor.

    3. Check the settling tank’s outlet.

    4. Check the filter for blockage.

    5. Allow the tank to drain before continuing.

    6. Clean up any spilled honey immediately.

    High Priority