HAYGAIN HG-600 Hay Steamer User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- HAYGAIN
Table of Contents
HG-600 Hay Steamer
User Manual
About your Haygain ® HG-600 hay steamer
Congratulations on purchasing your Haygain ® HG-600 hay steamer!
Your Haygain ® hay steamer is the only system scientifically proven to kill
mold spores and bacteria in hay and remove the potentially allergenic
respirable dust. Steamed hay helps to protect your horse from harmful dust and
microorganisms. Here at Haygain ® we are committed to improving the health and
well-being of your horse. To see other ways that we can help you and your
horse please visit haygain.com.
You must always steam hay in the hay steamer for at least 60 minutes and until
the thermometer reads at least 176 °F. The minimum time for steaming is based
on an ambient temperature of 59 °F and a sufficient power supply.
About this user manual
This user manual describes how to safely use and maintain your Haygain®hay
steamer, and how
to get the best results from it. To watch some helpful videos or see
frequently asked questions, visit haygain.com
Read this user manual before use
Before you get started, read this user manual. When you use your Haygain® hay
steamer, follow all instructions carefully and safely.
Disclaimer
We have made every effort to ensure that the information in this user manual
is correct at the time of publishing. However, we reserve the right to change
the information at any time without notice. Failure to observe the
requirements of this user manual may cause harm or injury to you or your horse
and may invalidate the warranty.
This equipment is designed for steaming hay and should not be modified in any
way. We accept no liability for misuse or unauthorized modifications to your
Haygain® HG-600 hay steamer.
Contact Us
We are here to help. If you have any questions or comments, please get in
touch. To see the contact details for your region, visit haygain.com.
Safety
Read this section carefully before setting up and using your Haygain® hay
steamer.
General safety
Use your Haygain ® hay steamer in a safe place
To prevent hazards and damage to your Haygain®hay steamer, use it in a
location that meets the specifications on page 9. Keep the area around the hay
steamer clear from loose hay and other debris.
Keep children and animals safe
Keep children and animals away from your Haygain® hay steamer.
Hot steam and temperatures can cause burns
When the steam generator is switched on, it produces hot steam that fills the
hay chest via the steam hose. Take care when opening the hay chest during or
immediately after use as steam will escape when the lid is opened. Areas of
the hay chest, for example, the manifold spikes, can get very hot. Take care
when you steam hay and unload it.
Before you open the cap of the steam generator, allow it to cool down. Do not
stand over the steam generator when you unscrew the cap. Do not pour cold
water over a hot heating element.
Take care when opening bales immediately after steaming as they can be
extremely hot.
Handle your Haygain ® hay steamer with care
Do not carry or move the hay chest or steam generator when in use. Do not use
sharp objects, for example, hay forks, inside the hay chest. Do not stand or
drop a steam generator on the hay chest.
Maintain your Haygain ® hay steamer
Follow the maintenance instructions in this user manual. If you do not
maintain your Haygain ® hay steamer, it may stop working or become dangerous.
If any part of your Haygain® hay steamer is damaged, including the steam hose,
electrical cable or thermometer, do not use it. Contact us for help. Use only
genuine Haygain ® spare parts and approved accessories.
Electrical safety
Electrical equipment can be dangerous
Ensure your electrical setup meets the specifications for the steam
generators. If you have any questions about your electrical setup, contact a
qualified electrician.
Poor electrical connections can be a fire hazard
Ensure that plugs are inserted fully into power outlets and are not obstructed
in any way. A poorly inserted plug may overheat, potentially causing damage to
the plug and outlet, and is a fire hazard
Electrical specifications
The steam generator is an electrical device. Before you use the steam
generator, check there is no damage to the plug, cable, and cable restraint.
Ensure your electrical circuit meets the following specifications for the
steam generator:
- 1500 W power circuit
- 110/120 V, 50/60 Hz,
- The plug, cable, cable restraints, and power outlet are not damaged.
- The plug and cable are clean and dry when you plug them into the power outlet.
- The plug can be inserted fully into the power outlet and is not obstructed in any way that may cause a poor connection.
- We recommend you plug the steam generator into a power outlet that is protected with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breaker.
Extension cables can be an electrical hazard
Ensure that the steamer generator is connected directly to the power outlet.
Do not use any type of extension cable to connect the steam generator
Routinely check the condition of the electrical cable and plug to ensure it is
not getting dirty, corroded or damaged
Getting started
Unpacking your Haygain® hay steamer
Check you have all of the following parts. If you do not have a part, contact
your supplier within 7 working days of delivery.
- Haygain® HG-600 hay chest, with a fixed 5-spike steam manifold
- Jiffy steam generator
- Steam hose with quick release fittings
- Funnel
- Measuring dipstick
- 1-gallon filler bottle
- Drip tray
- Heat resistant gloves
- 2 Haygain® descaler sachets
- User manual
Your Haygain ® hay steamer details
Make a note of serial numbers and the date of delivery. The serial number for
the hay chest is on the inside of the lid. The serial number for the steam
generator is on the label on the back.
Serial number (hay chest)……………………………………………….
Serial number (steam generator)…………………………………..
Date of delivery………………………………………………………….
Overview
Hay chest
A Lid
B Lid seal
C Latch
D Thermometer
E Height-adjustable handle
F Lid Gas Struts| G Wheel
H Internal hose
I Steam hole
J Drain hole
K Steam manifold plate
L Manifold spike
---|---
Steam generator
A Steam hose
B Handle
C Connector for hay chest
D Second cap, not used
E-Safety label| F Power cable and cable restraint
G Power switch
H Cap
I Filler spout
J Heating indicator light
---|---
Where to set up your Haygain® hay steamer
Set up your Haygain ® hay steamer in a safe place
To prevent hazards and damage to your Haygain ® hay steamer, use it in a
location that meets the specifications below. Keep the area around the hay
steamer clear from loose hay and other debris.
Keep children and animals safe
Keep children and animals away from your Haygain® hay steamer.
Take care when moving your Haygain ® hay steamer
Do not carry or move the hay chest or steam generator when in use.
Before you move the hay chest or steam generator, switch off the steam
generator, empty the hay chest of hay, and ensure the steam generator h s
cooled down.
To move the hay chest, use the height-adjustable handle at the back of it to
push or pull it. To move a steam generator, lift it by the handle. Set up your
Haygain ® hay steamer in a location that meets the following specifications:
Location| Steam generator: indoors only
Hay chest: indoors or outdoors
---|---
Floor| Level and hard floor that drains well
Clean and free from mold or damp
Ventilation| Well ventilated, to avoid damp conditions
Nothing covering the hay chest or steam generator
Power| Within 6 feet of a power outlet
Not directly under a power outlet, as steam can corrode the power outlet
Complies with the electrical specifications on page 5.
Water| Near a source of clean tap water
Some water will come out of the drain hole in the hay chest. You can use the
drip dray provided to catch the water or allow the water to flow to floor
drains if available.
Do not store steamed hay next to un-steamed, dry hay to avoid the risk of
contamination of the steamed hay. Keep the area around the hay steamer clear
from loose hay.
Connecting the steam generator to the hay chest
When the hay chest and steam generator are in a suitable location, use the
steam hose to connect them. Ensure the steam hose is not coiled, kinked, or
restricted when in use.
T o connect the steam generator to the hay chest
-
Find the quick release fitting at the end of the steam hose.
-
Pull back the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose, and push it firmly onto the hose connector on the hay chest.
-
Release the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose, so that it slides into the locked position.
-
To check that the steam hose is securely connected, pull the hose gently.
Using your Haygain® hay steamer
Read the safety chapter
Before you use your Haygain® hay steamer, read the Safety chapter on page 4.
After you set up your Haygain® hay steamer and make sure it is safe, you can
start steaming hay.
If you are working in freezing conditions, see page 15.
You can feed steamed hay to your horse immediately or ideally within 24 hours
of steaming.
To steam hay, complete the following tasks in this chapter:
- Fill the steam generator with water.
- Load hay into the hay chest
- Steam hay in the hay chest
- Unload hay from the hay chest
Fill the steam generator with water
Warning: Do not open the cap on the steam generator when the steam
generator is hot. Ensure the steam generator has cooled down.
Do not stand over the steam generator when you unscrew the cap.
Do not pour cold water over a hot heating element.
Warning: Take care not to overfill the steam generator with water. Never add antifreeze or other additives to the water. Additives in the steam generator can be a health hazard to your horse or can damage the steam generator. It will also void the warranty.
Before you can start steaming hay, you need to fill the steam generator with water.
-
Unscrew the cap on the steam generator.
-
To ensure the steam generator is empty, hold it by the handle and tilt it. Empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or container.
-
Place the funnel in the filler spout and carefully pour up to 1 gallon of clean tap water into the steam generator.
To check the water level in the steam generator, you can use the measuring dipstick. -
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the cap and tighten it by hand.
Load hay into the hay chest
Warning: Do not block the drain hole in the base of the hay chest. A blocked drain hole may cause damage to the hay chest during the steaming process.
The hay chest can hold just over half a standard-size bale of hay, several hay
nets, or loose hay.
When steaming part of a bale of hay, re-tie it using bailing twine to keep it
together. After steaming, cut and remove any bailing twine.
After steaming, any metal parts on hay nets will be very hot. The hot temperatures in the hay chest can also cause some hay nets to shrink. We recommend you use Haygain® hay nets, which do not have any metal parts and are heat-resistant so will not shrink. You can order Haygain® hay nets from haygain.com
- Lift the lid of the hay chest.
- Check there is no loose hay in the hay chest, and that the steam holes and drain holes are not blocked. If there is any loose hay or blockages, clean the hay chest before you load new hay. Read more about cleaning the hay chest on page 16.
- Place the hay into the hay chest. Place hay nets or wedges of loose hay vertically, so that they are parallel with the sides of the chest.
- Press the hay down firmly, being careful of the manifold spikes. Ensure the manifold spikes fully pierce the hay. Avoid overfilling the hay chest and leave a gap between the hay and hay chest walls.
- Close the lid of the hay chest and fasten the latches.
Steam hay in the hay chest
Do not allow the steam generator to run out of water
If a steam generator runs out of water, also known as “boils dry”, it can be
damaged. If the steam generator boils dry, switch off the steam generator
immediately. Before you unscrew the cap and add more water, allow it to cool
down. Do not stand over the steam generator when you unscrew the cap. Do not
pour cold water over a hot heating element.
Warning: Before you plug the steam generator into a power outlet, mop up any water spillages around your Haygain® hay steamer. Ensure the plug, cable, and power outlet are clean and dry.
When you steam the hay in the hay chest, the internal temperature of the hay
chest can reach 176 °F and above. This represents a temperature of 212 °F in
the hay. The combination of hot temperature and moisture kills the mold spores
and bacteria in the hay, protecting your horse from harmful dust and
microorganisms.
When you are steaming hay, some steam may be observed coming from the back or
sides of the hay chest lid. This is normal and maybe more obvious in low
ambient temperatures. If no steam comes out of the manifold spikes when you
are steaming hay, there can be a blockage in the hay chest, steam generator,
or steam hose. For more information, see page 19.
The power switch on the steam generator has the following three positions:
- OFF
- PREHEAT
- STEAM
The PREHEAT position allows you to continuously heat the water in the steam generator so that it is ready when you need it. For example, on a cold day it can take longer for the steam generator to start producing steam. If you preheat the steam generator, you can do other things while the water heats up. When you are then ready to start steaming hay, turn the power switch to the STEAM position.
-
Plug the steam generator into a power outlet.
-
To switch on the steam generator, turn the power switch clockwise to the STEAM position. The heating indicator light turns amber.
-
Steam the hay for at least 60 minutes then check the thermometer on the hay chest lid.:
• If the temperature shown is at least 176 °F, steaming is complete.
• If the temperature shown is below 176 °F, continue steaming until it is 176 °F. -
To switch off the steam generator, turn the power switch anti-clockwise to the OFF position.
-
Unplug the steam generator from the power outlet.
-
When the steam generator has cooled down, unscrew the cap on the steam generator.
-
Hold the steam generator by the handle and tilt it. Empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or container, to reduce the build-up of limescale.
Unload hay from the hay chest
** Beware of hot steam when you open the hay chest lid When you open the
lid of the hay chest, stand to one side to allow steam to escape. Do not lean
over the hay chest as steam escapes.
Warning:** If the hay in the hay chest is too hot, wear protective gloves
when you handle it. Take care when you unload hay nets, as any metal parts
will be very hot. Do not use sharp objects, for example, hay forks, inside the
hay chest.
After you steam hay, the hay is warm and smells sweet. Most horses love the
taste and prefer it to dry or soaked hay. We recommend you make any changes to
your horse’s diet slowly, to give their digestive system time to adapt. When
you first start using steamed hay, mix it with your horse’s existing hay for a
few days.
The steamed hay may be slightly wet on the outside due to condensation from
the inside of the hay chest lid, however, the inside of the hay will be dry to
the touch.
To ensure the hay chest and its lid always fit together properly, keep the lid
closed on the hay chest as they cool down.
- Lift the lid of the hay chest. Open the lid from the side to allow steam to escape.
- Unload the hay from the hay chest.
- Close the lid of the hay chest.
Working in freezing conditions
**** Do not use anti-freeze products
Do not use anti-freeze or other additives in the steam generator. Additives in
the steam generator can be a health hazard to your horse or can damage the
steam generator. It will also void the warranty.
Warning: Do not open the cap on the steam generator when the steam
generator is hot. Ensure the steam generator has cooled down.
Do not stand over the steam generator when you unscrew the cap. Do not pour
cold water over a hot element.
**** Hot steam and temperatures can cause burns During the steaming process
the steam hose will become hot. Take care when you hold it.
When the ambient temperature is very low, water can freeze in the hay chest,
steam generator or steam hose. In colder ambient temperatures, it will take
longer to bring the temperature up to the level required for steaming. To
reduce steaming time, you can fill a steam generator with hot water before you
switch it on. Please be patient in extraordinary cold circumstances. The
horses are the ultimate beneficiary.
-
Disconnect the steam hose connected to the hay chest:
a. Pull back the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose.
b. Pull the quick release fitting off the connector on the hay chest. -
To ensure there is no ice in the steam hose, fill the steam generator with water and then switch it on.
• If steam does not come out of the hose after 15 to 20 minutes, switch off the steam generator and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes.
• To remove ice in a steam hose, place it in warm water and gently squeeze it.
• Switch on the steam generator again. If steam comes out of the steam hose, continue to the next step. -
To ensure there is no ice in the hay chest, connect the steam hose to the hay chest and switch on the steam generator. Do not load hay in the hay chest.
• If steam does not come out of the manifold spikes, switch off the steam generator.
• To remove ice in the hay chest, pour warm water over the hose, manifold, and any visible ice.
• Switch on the steam generator again. If steam comes out of the manifold spikes, you can steam hay as normal. -
After you use your Haygain® hay steamer, disconnect the steam hose from the hay chest. To prevent ice from forming in the hay chest, tilt the hay chest backward to allow
water to drain out of the steam manifold.
Maintenance
To continue steaming hay and keeping your horse happy, please maintain your Haygain® hay steamer. Complete the following tasks in this chapter:
- Daily: check that the drain hole is not blocked
- Weekly: clean the hay chest and clean the steam generator
- Regularly: descale the steam generator
Cleaning the hay chest
Warning: When you clean the hay chest, take care not to hit your head on
the lid, and take care when cleaning around the manifold as the spikes are
sharp.
Check the drain hole in the base of the chest on a daily basis to ensure it is
not blocked and remove debris from underneath and in the hay chest. Remove and
empty the drip tray if used.
Clean the hay chest every week. To clean the hay chest after steaming hay,
switch off the steam generator and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool
down.
- Lift the lid of the hay chest.
- Remove all loose hay from inside the hay chest, including from the drain hole and from under the steam manifolds.
- To rinse the hay chest, use clean tap water. Allow the water to drain through the drain hole at the bottom of the hay chest. Remove debris from underneath the hay chest.
- Close the lid of the hay chest.
Cleaning the steam generators
Warning: Do not open the cap on the steam generator when the steam generator
is hot. Ensure the steam generator has cooled down.
Do not stand over the steam generator when you unscrew the cap.
Do not pour cold water over a hot element.
Clean the steam generator every week. To clean steam generators after steaming hay, switch it off and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down.
-
Unplug the steam generator from the power outlet.
-
Disconnect the steam hose connected to the hay chest:
a. Pull back the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose.
b. Pull the quick release fitting off the connector on the hay chest. -
Empty the steam hose of water.
-
Unscrew the cap on the steam generator. Remove any debris from the cap.
-
Place the funnel in the filler spout and carefully pour up to ½ a gallon of clean tap water into the steam generator so that it is half full.
-
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, screw on the cap, and tighten it by hand.
-
To remove any loose material in the steam generator, shake the steam generator.
-
Unscrew the cap on the steam generator and empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or container.
-
Repeat steps 5 to 8 until the water is clear when it comes out of the steam generator.
-
Screw the cap onto the steam generator and tighten it by hand.
-
Reconnect the steam hose to the hay chest.
Descaling a steam generator
Label the steam generator when descaling
If you steam hay while the steam generator contains descaler, it can be a
health hazard to your horse. Clearly label the steam generator to say it
contains a descaler to prevent other people from using it.
Warning: Only use a food-grade descaler to avoid any risk to your horse’s
health. Using a vinegar-based solution as a descaler is not advised because it
is not effective enough at removing limescale in the boiler and can cause
problems by only softening but not removing the limescale.
Limescale can build up in the steam generator. To prevent damage to the steam
generator, descale it on a regular basis. The frequency of descaling depends
on how often you steam hay and how hard your local water supply is. Please use
the following guidelines:
Water Hardness (Grains of CaCO3 per Gallon)| Soft or Moderately
Soft (0 – 5.8)| Slightly Hard or Moderately Hard (5.9 — 11.7)|
Hard or Very Hard (over 11.7)
---|---|---|---
Less than one steaming cycle per day| 12-14 weeks| 8-10 weeks| 4-6 weeks
One to two steaming cycles per day| 8-10 weeks| 4-6 weeks| 2-3 weeks
Three or more steaming cycles per day| 4-6 weeks| 2-3 weeks| 1-2 weeks
-
Before you descale the steam generator, clean it. For more information, see page 16. After you clean the steam generator, do not screw on the cap or reconnect the steam
hose to the hay chest. Ensure the steam generator is completely empty. -
Open the packet of descaler and dissolve it in the required volume of warm water, as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Place the funnel in the filler spout and carefully pour the diluted solution of the descaler into the steam generator.
-
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the cap and tighten it by hand.
-
Switch on the steam generator.
-
When the water starts to boil and steam comes out of the steam hose, switch off the steam generator.
-
Unplug the steam generator from the power outlet.
-
Clearly label the steam generator to say it contains descaler. Then allow the steam generator to descale for at least 3 hours.
Tip: We recommend you descale the steam generator overnight. -
To remove any loose material in the steam generator, shake the steam generator.
-
Unscrew the cap on the steam generator, then empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or container.
-
Clean the steam generator until the water is clear when it comes out. For more information, see page 16.
Storing your Haygain® hay steamer for long periods of time
If you will not use your Haygain® hay steamer for at least a week, follow the steps below to store it correctly.
- Disconnect the steam generator from the power outlet
- Clean the hay chest and steam generator. For more information, see page 16. If the steam generator will not be used for at least 4 weeks, descale it. For more information, see page 17
- Disconnect the steam hose from the hay chest. Empty the steam hose of water and empty the steam generator of water.
- Store the hay chest and steam generator in a sheltered and dry place, at above freezing temperature. Store the steam generator with the power cable coiled up.
- Before you use the hay chest and steam generator again, clean them thoroughly. Ensure there is no damage to the plug or cable, and that they are both clean and dry.
Support
If you have any problems with your Haygain® hay steamer, have a look at the
following common causes and solutions. Please ensure you have read and
followed the maintenance guidelines on page 16.
If the information below does not solve the problem, or you have any other
questions please visit haygain.com and select Support in
the menu.
If you need to arrange a service or order spare parts please contact us.
Hay is taking longer than normal to steam
| Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| The ambient temperature or water temperature is lower than normal. | Steam the |
hay for longer than normal. Ensure the thermometer on the hay chest reaches
176 °F.
The heating element of a steam generator is covered in limescale.| Allow the
steam generator to cool down.
Clean and descale the steam generator.
The amount of loaded hay is heavier than normal or inconsistently packed in
the hay chest.| When loading hay, press it firmly and evenly into the hay
chest but do not overload the chest above the top of the base. Ensure there is
a gap between the hay and the chest walls.
The power supply may be insufficient.| Check the steam generator is connected
to a sufficient power supply. If you are unsure, contact a qualified
electrician.
Steam is not coming from all manifold spikes
| Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| The hay chest is not on level ground. | Allow your Haygain® hay steamer to cool |
down. Move the hay chest to level ground.
There is a kink in the steam hose or it is damaged.| Allow your Haygain® hay
steamer to cool down. Replace the steam hose.
There is an unusual amount of water in the steam manifold.| Allow your
Haygain® hay steamer to cool down. Disconnect the steam hose from the hay
chest and drain the water from the manifold by tilting the hay chest backward.
A section of the internal hose in the hay chest or a manifold is blocked.|
Contact us.
Warranty
Your Haygain® hay steamer comes with a 1 year warranty. The warranty covers the repair and replacement of your Haygain® hay steamer or a part of it. This includes all required parts and labor. All repairs and replacements are at the discretion of Haygain®. For more information about the warranty, contact us.
Terms of the warranty
- The warranty is effective from the date of delivery.
- Before Haygain® repair or replace your Haygain® hay steamer under warranty, you must provide proof of purchase. Without proof of purchase, there will be a fee for the work required.
- If your Haygain® hay steamer is faulty, it is usually repaired at an authorized service All work is done by Haygain® or an authorized representative.
- Where possible, Haygain® can provide a steam generator on loan while your steam generator is being repaired. There will be a fee for transportation. If you need a loan steam generator, Haygain® may offer this as a replacement and will collect the faulty steam generator. There will be no fee for a replacement steam generator.
- If a part for your Haygain® hay steamer is no longer available, Haygain® will replace it with a similar functional part.
- Any repair, replacement, or exchange of your Haygain® hay steamer under warranty does not extend the warranty period.
Exceptions to the warranty
The warranty does not cover the following conditions:
- Normal wear and tear
- Accidental damage
- Removal of blockages
- Use of parts or accessories that are not approved by Haygain®
- Repairs and installations by parties that are not approved by Haygain®
- Faults or damage caused by not maintaining the hay chest or steam generator as described in this user manual
- Faults or damage caused by negligent use or misuse, which includes but is not limited to the following conditions:
- Using your Haygain® hay steamer in a location that does not meet the conditions listed in this user manual
- Using dirty water in the steam generator
- Allowing the steam generator to run out of water
- Insufficiently descaling the steam generator
- Foreign objects in the steam generator or steam manifold