FAQ


How much does Haymatic® cost?

The price of the Haymatic® automatic hay feeder varies depending on the size of the automatic hay feeder and the number of opening feeding walls. The prices of Haymatic® automatic hay feeders are between €3,300 and €13,800.

The VAT for horse entrepreneurs is 0%. For private persons, the value-added tax of their country of residence is added to the price.

We tender the freight and always look for the best option for the customer.


How does the automatic hay feeder work?

A maximum of 12 feeding times can be programmed into the automatic hay feeder. The automatic hay feeder itself has a control unit.

When closing, the doors of the hay feeder move slowly, always leaving free space at the top. If an unexpected obstacle is encountered, the doors stop moving and start ascending after a moment. The lifting force of the walls can be adjusted according to your needs and the size of the horses.

You can adjust the settings of the hay feeder yourself: for example, the height to which the feeding walls descend, the lighting and the lifting force. In addition, you can select, for example, the New Bale function for the desired time.

The automatic hay feeder is powered by electricity – power supply 230V.


What preparatory work needs to be done?

The automatic hay feeder is placed on flat, frost-resistant ground. We recommend setting up a base on a concrete slab, laying a concrete stone base or using mud control tiles. This makes it easier to keep the base clean and prevents sand from ending up in the horse’s stomach.

The hay feeder can be powered using the nearest socket with an outdoor extension cord. Alternatively, a close-by existing socket or a fixed connection can be used.


Does the automatic hay feeder need maintenance?

From the very beginning, the product was designed with longevity and reliability in mind. The simple operating mechanism of the automatic hay feeder contains only a few parts that are subject to wear. The materials used are durable and maintenance-free hot galvanised and stainless steel, as well as marine-grade aluminium.

The only part subject to wear is the lifting cables. The lifting ropes need to be replaced approximately every 2.5–4 years. It takes about an hour to change the lifting ropes.

Due to our continuous product development, the software of the automatic hay feeder can be updated if necessary.


Is the automatic hay feeder safe?

When the hay feeder closes, the feeding wall doors rise from the bottom up and stop if they encounter an unexpected obstacle. A clearance always remains at the top of the equipment. Horses always naturally lift their heads up when the doors rise. The lifting force of the walls can be adjusted according to your needs and the size of the horses.

All external surfaces are designed to be suitable for horses. Shielded components ensure electrical safety.

The dimensions of the automatic hay feeder’s vertical bars are in accordance with the safety instructions for horses.


What do your services include?

We are happy to assist you in selecting an automatic hay feeder and designing the feeding system for your stable. Design, advice and tips are always free.

Our service includes the tendering of freight as well as all arrangements until the automatic hay feeder is delivered to the customer’s address.

The customer is responsible for the unpacking of the hay feeder after transport and for connecting the hay feeder to a power source.

Customer service and support are available by phone and email. Our primary service languages are Finnish and English, but we can also assist you in Swedish. Possible warranty and maintenance services are arranged with the help of local partners, if necessary.


Do all the doors of the automatic hay feeder always move at the same time?

In Haymatic® 2, Haymatic® 3, Haymatic® 4, Haymatic® Smartkit and Haymatic® Module (one control unit) products, all the doors of the hay feeder are controlled by a single engine. Therefore, the doors open at the same time.

The ends (3 + 3 doors) of the Haymatic® 6 automatic hay feeder can also be programmed to open at different times. Also, by purchasing separate control units for the Haymatic® Modules, the doors can be programmed to open at different times.

If desired, one wall of the hay feeder can always remain open. This can be done by removing the lifting ropes from the door, allowing access to free hay.


My horses are curious and good at breaking things. Will the automatic hay feeder withstand my horses?

Our automatic hay feeders are suitable for all types and breeds of horses. The materials of the automatic hay feeder have been chosen carefully with this in mind. The hay feeder’s feeding walls are made of highly wear-resistant marine-grade aluminium.

More than 1,000 of these walls are in daily use in Haymatic® automatic hay feeders. So far, no walls have been broken.


How do horses learn to use the automatic hay feeder and get used to it?

Learning to use the feeder depends a lot on the horse. In general, horses are quick to learn a new feeding method.

If the horse is not used to eating from a hay rack, the introduction of an automatic hay feeder can be done gradually. First, the automatic hay feeder is used with the feeding walls down, allowing the horses to get used to eating from between the vertical bars.

Next, you can occasionally close the feeding walls manually while still keeping them open most of the time.

When the horses are mostly used to the moving feeding walls, the hay feeder can be switched to the normal programme. The doors will start opening and closing automatically according to the schedule of your choice.


Is the automatic hay feeder designed to withstand different weather conditions?

The automatic hay feeder is designed to work in different weather conditions.

The hay feeder has small eaves in case of rain and can be fitted with gutters, if necessary. Plastic panels can also be attached to the top.

In windy areas, we recommend bolting the hay feeder into the concrete.

The electric engine and switch are heated with a thermostat to ensure that the automatic hay feeder can also operate in cold temperatures. We guarantee the functionality of the hay feeder in temperatures as cold as -25 °C. In colder temperatures, horses need free hay to stay warm.

In areas with a lot of snow, a raised base is recommended.


What is the life cycle of the automatic hay feeder?

From the very beginning, the product was designed with longevity and reliability in mind. The simple operating mechanism of the automatic hay feeder contains only a few parts that are subject to wear.

The materials used are durable and maintenance-free hot galvanised and stainless steel, as well as marine-grade aluminium.

The automatic hay feeder is designed to last +15 years of use.