If the tree is 5 foot across you are going to need help and some extra logging tools........chainsaw, sledge hammer, wedges, cant hook might be nice, slings, come-a-long or winch, cribbing blocks, chock blocks (the blocks can be cut out of some of the bigger limbs). Not all bee trees will need all of this but just remember this is a big tree.
First off when splitting the trunk open please be very careful, just think how much that log will weigh. It could very easily pin you to the ground and/or crush body parts.
It would be very helpful to have another beek that has been into a bee tree before. I don't think I would tackle that by myself, just think if you did get hurt or pinned and all alone.
Maybe the tree cutters will help out if they have a bucket truck with a winch on it.
Bee trees are like any other cut out..................almost. just think of it as a hive laying on its side and it will take a chainsaw and wedges to get into it. More difficult than pulling a few nails or using the saws-all. If they dropped the tree trunk the comb and bees may be crushed beyond salvage.
I'm not trying to be Mr. Negative here, but trees are tough, and the bigger they are the harder they are, mainly due to the weight.
Get some helpers together and make the day out of it.
G3