HAYGAIN HG-GO User manual

Haygain® HG-GO Hay Steamer
User Manual

Contents
2 © Haygain
Contents
Contents....................................................................................................................................2
About your Haygain®HG-GO hay steamer.............................................................................3
Getting started..........................................................................................................................4
Unpacking your Haygain®hay steamer ..................................................................................4
Overview.................................................................................................................................4
Where to set up your Haygain®hay steamer..........................................................................6
Connecting the steam generator to the hay bag.....................................................................7
Safety.........................................................................................................................................8
General safety.........................................................................................................................8
Electrical safety.......................................................................................................................8
Using your Haygain®hay steamer ........................................................................................10
Filling the steam generator with water ..................................................................................10
Loading forage......................................................................................................................11
Steaming forage....................................................................................................................11
Unloading forage...................................................................................................................13
Working in freezing conditions..............................................................................................13
Maintenance............................................................................................................................15
Cleaning the hay bag............................................................................................................15
Cleaning the steam generator...............................................................................................15
Descaling the steam generator.............................................................................................16
Storing your Haygain®hay steamer for long periods of time ................................................17
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................18
Warranty..................................................................................................................................21
Contact ....................................................................................................................................22
Maintenance records..............................................................................................................23

About your Haygain® HG-GO hay steamer
© Haygain 3
About your Haygain®HG-GO hay steamer
Congratulations on purchasing your Haygain®HG-GO hay steamer!
Mould growth can affect all types of hay and haylage. Moulds produce respirable dust that
when inhaled can cause respiratory allergies. These conditions compromise the ability of your
horse to breathe properly. Mould growth also reduces the nutritional quality of the forage.
Your Haygain®hay steamer is the only system scientifically proven to kill mould spores and
bacteria in forage, and remove the potentially allergenic respirable dust. Steamed hay helps to
protect your horse from harmful dust and microorganisms, which allows your horse to perform
to the best of its ability. Your horse will also love the improved taste of steamed forage.
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, visit www.haygain.com
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 www.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 result in the user being held
responsible for the consequences and will invalidate the warranty. We accept no liability for
misuse or unauthorised modifications to your Haygain®HG-GO hay steamer.
You must always steam forage in the hay steamer for at least 60 minutes. The minimum time
for steaming is based on an ambient temperature of 15 °C, a sufficient power supply and a
location at sea level.
Your Haygain®hay steamer details
Before you get started, make a note of the serial number for the steam generator and the date
of delivery. The serial number for the steam generator is on the instruction and safety label.
Serial number (steam generator)
Date of delivery

Getting started
4 © Haygain
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-GO hay bag, with a fixed 5-spike steam manifold
J-4000 steam generator, with a steam hose with quick release fitting
Funnel
Measuring dipstick
Packet of Haygain®descaler
User manual
Overview
Hay bag
A
Circular cap
E
Internal hose, with the connector for
the steam generator outside the bag
B
Multi-layered bag
F
Steam hole
C
Steam manifold plate
G
Manifold spike
D
Drawstring
C
D
B
A
E
F
G

Getting started
© Haygain 5
A
Outer layer (coating/fabric/coating)
C
Inner layer (coating/fabric/coating)
B
Insulating open-cell polyester foam
Steam generator
A
Steam hose
F
Power cable and cable restraint
B
Handle
G
Power switch
C
Connector for hay bag
H
Safety cap
D
Second cap, not used
I
Filler spout
E
Instruction and safety label
J
Heating indicator light
C
B
A
D
A
E
F
G
B
C
H
J
I

Getting started
6 © Haygain
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.
Take care when moving your Haygain®hay steamer
Before you move the hay bag or steam generator, switch off the steam
generator. Empty the hay bag of forage, and ensure the steam generator
has cooled down.
To move the steam generator, lift it by the handle.
Set up your Haygain®hay steamer in a location that meets the following specifications:
Place
Steam generator: indoors only
Hay bag: indoors or outdoors
Note: Some water will come out of the drain holes in the hay bag.
Not accessible by children or animals
Floor
Level and hard floor that drains well
Clean and free from mould or damp
Ventilation
Well ventilated, to avoid damp conditions
Nothing covering the hay bag or steam generator
Power
Within 2 metres of a power outlet
Not directly under a power outlet, as steam can corrode the power outlet
Complies with the electrical specifications on page 8
Water
Near a source of clean tap water

Getting started
© Haygain 7
Connecting the steam generator to the hay bag
When the hay bag and steam generator are in a suitable location, use the steam hose to
connect them.
To connect the steam generator to the hay bag
1.
Find the quick release fitting at the end of the steam hose.
2.
Pull back the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose, and push it firmly onto the
hose connector of the hay bag.
3.
Release the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose, so that it slides into the
locked position.
4.
To check that the steam hose is securely connected, pull the hose. Ensure the hose is
not kinked or restricted.

Safety
8 © Haygain
Safety
General safety
Use your Haygain®hay steamer in a safe place
Set up your Haygain®hay steamer in a location that meets the
specifications on page 6.
Hot steam and temperatures can cause burns
When the steam generator is switched on, it produces hot steam that
comes out of it and the hay bag. Before you open the safety cap of the
steam generator, allow it to cool down.
Areas of the hay bag, for example the manifold spikes, can get very hot.
Take care when you steam forage and unload it.
Handle with care
Take care not to damage your Haygain®hay steamer. Do not use sharp
objects, for example hay forks, inside the hay bag.
If any part of your Haygain®hay steamer is damaged, including the steam
hose or electrical cable, do not use it. Contact us for assistance.
Keep children and animals safe
Keep children and animals away from your Haygain®hay steamer.
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. 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
generator. If you have any questions about your electrical setup, contact a
qualified electrician.
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.

Safety
© Haygain 9
Ensure your electrical circuit meets the following specifications for the steam generator:
1500 W
50/60 Hz
230 V
The steam generator must be earthed.
The plug, cable, cable restraint and power outlet are not damaged.
The plug and cable are clean and dry when you plug them into the power outlet.
We recommend you plug the steam generator into a power outlet that is RCD (residual-current
device) protected.
Extension cables
We advise not to use extension cables as a permanent electrical supply. If you plug the steam
generator into an extension cable, ensure the cable meets the electrical specifications on
page 8.
Extension cables can be an electrical hazard
Ensure extension cables meet the required electrical specifications and
are not damaged. To prevent the extension cable from overheating, fully
unwind it when the steam generator is switched on.
Wall timers
To switch on or off the steam generator at a certain time, you can use a wall timer.
If you plug the steam generator into a wall timer, ensure the wall timer meets the electrical
specifications on page 8. Ensure the steam generator is securely fitted into the wall timer and
the wall timer is securely fitted into the power outlet.

Using your Haygain® hay steamer
10 © Haygain
Using your Haygain®hay steamer
Before you use your Haygain®hay steamer, read the Safety chapter in this
user manual.
After you set up your Haygain®hay steamer and make sure it is safe, you can start steaming
forage. You can feed steamed forage to your horse immediately or ideally up to 24 hours after
steaming.
To steam forage, complete the following tasks in this chapter:
1. Fill the steam generator with water.
2. Load forage in the hay bag.
3. Steam forage in the hay bag.
4. Unload forage from the hay bag.
If you are working in freezing conditions, see page 13.
Filling the steam generator with water
Before you can start steaming forage, you need to fill the steam generator with water.
To fill the steam generator with water
1.
Warning: Do not open the safety cap on the steam generator when the steam
generator is hot. Ensure the steam generator has cooled down.
Unscrew the safety cap on the steam generator.
2.
To ensure the steam generator is empty, lift it by the handle and turn it over. Empty the
water through the filler spout into a drain or container.
3.
Place the funnel in the filler spout.

Using your Haygain® hay steamer
© Haygain 11
4.
Carefully pour 3.5 litres of clean tap water into the steam generator.
Warning: Take care not to overfill the steam generator with water. Never add
anti-freeze or other additives to the water.
5.
To check the water level in the steam generator, you can use the measuring dipstick.
6.
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the safety cap and tighten
it by hand.
Loading forage
The hay bag can hold between two and four segments of forage.
After steaming, any metal parts on hay nets will be very hot. The hot temperatures in the hay
bag 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 www.haygain.com
To load forage
1.
Loosen the drawstring on the hay bag and lift off the cap.
2.
Check there is no loose forage in the hay bag, and that the steam holes and drain holes
are not blocked. If there is any loose forage or blockages, clean the hay bag before you
load new forage. Read more about cleaning the hay bag on page 15.
3.
Place the forage into the hay bag. Place hay nets or wedges of loose forage vertically,
so that they are parallel with the sides of the bag.
4.
Press the forage down firmly, being careful of the manifold spikes. Ensure the manifold
spikes fully pierce the forage.
5.
Place the cap on top of the forage in the hay bag, with the handle facing up. Pull the
drawstring on the hay bag tightly.
Steaming forage
When you steam the forage in the hay bag, the internal temperature of the hay bag can reach
80 °C and above. This represents a temperature of 100 °C in the forage. The combination of
hot temperature and moisture kills the mould spores and bacteria in the forage, protecting your
horse from harmful dust and microorganisms.
If steam comes out of the safety cap when you are steaming forage, the pressure inside the
steam generator is too high. This can be due to a blockage in the hay bag, 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

Using your Haygain® hay steamer
12 © Haygain
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 forage, turn the
power switch to the STEAM position.
Do not allow the steam generator to run out of water
If the 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 safety cap and add more
water, allow it to cool down. Do not stand over the steam generator when
you unscrew the safety cap.
To steam forage
1.
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.
Plug the steam generator into a power outlet.
2.
To switch on the steam generator, turn the power switch clockwise to the STEAM
position. The heating indicator light turns amber.
Tip: To switch on the steam generator but not yet produce steam, turn the power switch
to the PREHEAT position. The PREHEAT position allows you to continuously heat the
water in the steam generator, so that it is ready when you need it.
3.
Steam the forage for 60 minutes.
Warning: When you are steaming forage, take care as it is normal for some steam to
escape from the hay bag.
4.
To switch off the steam generator, turn the power switch anti-clockwise to the OFF
position.
5.
Unplug the steam generator from the power outlet.
6.
When the steam generator has cooled down, unscrew the safety cap on the steam
generator.
7.
Lift the steam generator by the handle and turn it over. Empty the water through the
filler spout into a drain or container, to reduce the build-up of lime scale.

Using your Haygain® hay steamer
© Haygain 13
Unloading forage
After you steam forage, the forage 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 forage,
mix it with your horse's existing forage for a few days.
You can feed steamed forage to your horse immediately or ideally up to 24 hours after
steaming. The steamed forage is slightly wet on the outside due to condensation on the
bottom of the hay bag cap. However, the inside of the forage is dry to the touch.
Beware of hot steam when you open the hay bag
When you remove the cap of the hay bag, take care as steam escapes. Do
not lean over the hay bag as steam escapes.
To unload forage
1.
Loosen the drawstring on the hay bag and carefully lift off the cap.
2.
To empty the hay bag, turn it upside down and allow the forage to fall out.
Warning: If the forage in the hay bag 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.
Working in freezing conditions
When the ambient temperature is very low, water can freeze in the hay bag, steam generator
or steam hose.
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.
To steam hay in freezing conditions
1.
Disconnect the steam hose from the hay bag.
2.
To ensure there is no ice in the steam hose, fill the steam generator with water and then
switch it on. Do not load forage in the hay bag.
If steam comes out of the safety cap and not out of the steam hose, switch off the
steam generator. To remove ice in the steam hose, place it in warm water and
gently squeeze it. Then switch on the steam generator again.
Warning: Do not unscrew the safety cap.
3.
To ensure there is no ice in the hay bag, connect the steam hose to the hay bag. Do not
load forage in the hay bag.
Warning: The steam hose is hot. Take care when you hold it.

Using your Haygain® hay steamer
14 © Haygain
If steam does not come out of the manifold spikes, switch off the steam generator.
To remove ice in the hay bag, pour warm water over the brass hose connector and
the green internal hose. Then switch on the steam generator again.
Warning: Do not unscrew the safety cap.
If steam comes out of the manifold spikes, you can steam forage as normal.
4.
After you use your Haygain®hay steamer, disconnect the steam hose from the hay bag.
To prevent ice from forming in the hay bag, tilt the hay bag so the brass connector is at
the lowest point. Allow water to drain out of the steam manifold.

Maintenance
© Haygain 15
Maintenance
To continue steaming forage and keeping your horse happy, maintain your Haygain®hay
steamer. Complete the following tasks in this chapter:
Every week:
oClean the hay bag
oClean the steam generator
Every 4 to 6 weeks:
oDescale the steam generator
Cleaning the hay bag
Clean the hay bag every week. To clean the hay bag after steaming forage, switch off the
steam generator and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down.
To clean the hay bag
1.
Remove all loose forage from inside the hay bag, including from the drain holes and
from under the steam manifold.
2.
To rinse the hay bag, use clean tap water. Allow the water to drain through the drain
holes at the bottom of the hay bag.
Cleaning the steam generator
Clean the steam generator every week. To clean the steam generator after steaming forage,
switch it off and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down.
To clean the steam generator
1.
Unplug the steam generator from the power outlet.
2.
To disconnect the steam hose connected to the hay bag, do the following:
a. Pull back the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose.
b. Pull the quick release fitting from the hose connector of the hay bag.
3.
Unscrew the safety cap on the steam generator. Remove any forage or other material
from the safety cap.
4.
Place the funnel in the filler spout.
5.
Carefully pour between 1.5 and 2 litres of clean tap water into the steam generator, so
that it is half full.
6.
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the safety cap and tighten
it by hand.
7.
To remove any loose material in the steam generator, gently shake the steam
generator.

Maintenance
16 © Haygain
8.
Unscrew the safety cap on the steam generator, then empty the water through the filler
spout into a drain or container.
9.
Repeat steps 4 to 8 until the water is clear when it comes out of the steam generator.
10.
Screw the safety cap onto the steam generator and tighten it by hand.
11.
Connect the steam hose to the hay bag and plug the steam generator into a power
outlet.
Descaling the steam generator
Lime scale can build up in the steam generator. To prevent damage to the steam generator,
descale it every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the following factors:
How often you steam forage
How soft or hard your local water supply is
You can purchase descaler from www.haygain.com
Label the steam generator when descaling
If you steam forage while the steam generator contains descaler, it can be
a health hazard to your horse. To prevent other people from using the
steam generator when you descale it, clearly label it to say it contains
descaler.
To descale the steam generator
1.
Before you descale the steam generator, clean it. For more information, see page 15.
After you clean the steam generator, do not screw on the safety cap or reconnect the
steam hose to the hay bag. Ensure the steam generator is completely empty.
2.
Open the packet of descaler. Before you add descaler to the steam generator, dissolve
the descaler in the required volume of warm water, as described in the manufacturer’s
instructions.
3.
Place the funnel in the filler spout.
4.
Carefully pour the diluted solution of descaler into the steam generator.
5.
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the safety cap and tighten
it by hand.
6.
To switch on the steam generator, turn the power switch clockwise to the STEAM
position. The heating indicator light turns amber.
7.
When the water starts to boil and steam comes out of the steam hose, switch off the
steam generator. To switch off the steam generator, turn the power switch
anti-clockwise to the OFF position.
8.
Unplug the steam generator from the power outlet.

Maintenance
© Haygain 17
9.
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.
10.
To remove any loose material in the steam generator, gently shake the steam
generator.
11.
Unscrew the safety cap on the steam generator, then empty the water through the filler
spout into a drain or container.
12.
Clean the steam generator until the water is clear when it comes out. For more
information, see page 15.
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.
To store the hay bag for long periods of time
1.
Clean the hay bag. For more information, see page 15.
2.
Disconnect the steam hose from the hay bag. Empty the steam hose of water.
3.
Store the hay bag in a sheltered and dry place.
4.
Before you use the hay bag again, clean it thoroughly.
To store the steam generator for long periods of time
1.
Disconnect the steam generator from the power outlet.
2.
Clean the steam generator. For more information, see page 15.
3.
If the steam generator will not be used for at least 4 weeks, descale it. For more
information, see page 16.
4.
Empty the steam generator of water.
5.
Store the steam generator in a sheltered and dry place, at above freezing temperature.
Store the steam generator with the power cable coiled up.
6.
Before you use the steam generator again, check it thoroughly. Ensure there is no
damage to the plug or cable, and that they are both clean and dry.

Troubleshooting
18 © Haygain
Troubleshooting
If you have any problems with your Haygain®hay steamer, have a look at the following
possible causes and solutions. If you still have problems after troubleshooting, contact us.
Forage is taking longer than normal to steam
Possible cause
Solution
The ambient temperature or water
temperature is lower than normal.
Steam the forage for longer than normal. To reduce
steaming time, you can fill the steam generator with
hot water before you switch it on.
The amount of loaded forage is
heavier than normal or inconsistently
packed in the hay bag.
The heating element of the steam
generator is covered in lime scale,
which reduces its efficiency.
Allow the steam generator to cool down. Clean and
descale the steam generator. Read more about
maintenance on page 15.
The electrical voltage may be lower
than normal.
Check the steam generator is connected to a
sufficient power supply. If you are unsure, contact a
qualified electrician. Try turning off other
appliances.
If there is insufficient power, steam the forage for
longer than normal. To reduce steaming time, you
can fill the steam generator with hot water before
you switch it on.
Forage is not steaming properly or steam is not coming from all manifold spikes
Possible cause
Solution
The amount of loaded forage is
heavier than normal or is loosely
placed in the hay bag.
Steam the forage for longer than normal. To reduce
steaming time, you can fill the steam generator with
hot water before you switch it on.
When loading forage, press it firmly and evenly into
the hay bag.
The hay bag is not on level ground,
which can cause steam to only come
out of some manifold spikes.
Allow your Haygain®hay steamer to cool down.
Move the hay bag 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. To order a new steam
hose, contact us.

Troubleshooting
© Haygain 19
There is an unusual amount of water
or condensation in the steam
manifold. This can be caused by
overfilling the steam generator.
Allow your Haygain®hay steamer to cool down.
Disconnect the steam hose from the hay bag. To
drain water from the steam manifold, tilt the hay
bag.
The steam generator trips the circuit breaker or RCD
Possible cause
Solution
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. Try turning off other
appliances.
The steam generator is damp.
Wait 24 hours for the steam generator to dry out,
then try again. Always keep the steam generator in
a warm and dry environment. To help prevent
damp, keep the floor near the steam generator dry.
The steam generator does not switch on
Possible cause
Solution
There is no power supply.
Plug the steam generator into a working power
outlet.
The fuse in the steam generator plug
has blown.
Replace the fuse in the steam generator plug.
A fault activated the safety cut-out
feature of the steam generator.
The steam generator requires servicing. Contact us.
While steaming, steam escapes from the safety cap on the steam generator
Possible cause
Solution
The steam generator has been
overfilled.
Allow the steam generator to cool down. Pour
excess water out of the steam generator.
The safety cap is not fully closed due
to hay or dirt.
Allow the steam generator to cool down. Remove
and clean the safety cap.
The safety cap seal is dirty, damaged
or missing.
Allow the steam generator to cool down. Remove
and clean the safety cap and the safety cap seal. If
the safety cap seal is damaged, replace it. To order
safety cap seals, contact your supplier.
To replace a safety cap seal, insert it in the base of
the safety cap, under the metal thread.

Troubleshooting
20 © Haygain
Tip: To securely insert the new safety cap seal, use
a screwdriver.
The steam hose is blocked or
restricted.
Straighten out the steam hose and remove anything
on top of it.
Allow your Haygain®hay steamer to cool down.
Disconnect the steam hose at both ends and flush
water through it.
Attach the steam generator to the steam hose and
switch it on. If steam comes out of the steam hose
but not out of the safety cap, you can steam forage
as normal. If steam still comes out of the safety cap,
switch off the steam generator and contact your
supplier.
The steam hose or steam manifold is
frozen.
Allow your Haygain®hay steamer to cool down. To
defrost the steam hose, place it in warm water. To
defrost the steam manifold, pour warm water over
it. Read more about working in freezing conditions
on page 13.
The pressure release valve in the
safety cap has been activated.
Allow your Haygain®hay steamer to cool down.
Remove the safety cap and turn the cap upside
down.
Press down on the rubber ball bearing by 0.5 cm
and then allow it to spring back. Ensure the ball
bearing fits closely to the rubber.
Before you use the steam generator, ensure the
steam manifold and hoses are not blocked. If the
steam manifold and hoses are blocked, the
pressure release valve in the safety cap will activate
again.