Installation Instructions
H1 Net Hoop – 32mm dia x 2mm stainless steel.
H2 Hinge Plate – 4mm electro-galvanised steel.
H3 Hinge Bar – 16mm dia electro-galvanised steel.
H4 Spacer Tube – 25mm x 1.5mm plastic.
H5 Washer – 32mm x 3mm plastic
Where to Install Your ezehay Feeder
Choose carefully where to mount your feeder. If you already use a hanging haynet, the most obvious location may be on the wall behind the net.
Take into account where your horse normally stands to feed, and ensure there are no opening doors, moving objects, or hanging items that could obstruct the area or disturb the horse while feeding
Try to find a section of wall that is relatively flat. You will need an area approximately 1 m² and about 1 m (39 in) above the ground. The wall should be structurally sound and capable of supporting secure fixings. Brick or blockwork is ideal.
Ensure there is sufficient space to withdraw the hinge bar sideways. You will need to remove the bar when fitting or changing the net. The hinge bar is reversible and can be removed from either the left- or right-hand side
Uneven or Flexible Walls
If your stable wall is uneven or constructed from wood, we recommend fixing a plywood backing board to the wall before mounting your ezehay feeder.
The plywood should be
- Exterior grade
- A minimum thickness of 15 mm
- Approximately 1 m × 1 m in size
When securely screwed or bolted to the wall, the plywood will provide a solid, flat surface for mounting your ezehay feeder.
Warning
Strong fixings are essential, an energetic horse can exert considerable force on the feeder.
It is important that the ezehay hoop and catch are fixed securely to the wall.
If you are at all uncertain about the installation, please seek assistance from a suitably qualified person
Mounting Your ezehay Feeder
Preparation
Your ezehay feeder is usually supplied fully assembled. However, we recommend separating the hoop and net assembly from the hinge plate before installation, as this makes fixing the hinge plate to the wall much easier.
- Place the ezehay on a flat surface. (fig B.)
- Unclip the lynch pin from one end of the hinge bar and withdraw the bar completely.
- Take care to leave the plastic tube inside the net and set the plastic washers aside.
- The hoop and net assembly will now separate from the hinge plate.
Fixing the Hinge Plate to the Wall
- Mark the wall at 1 m (39 in) above floor level. (fig C.)
The recommended mounting height of 1 m is based on a 16 hh horse and a user of average height and can be adjusted to suit individual requirements.
When choosing the height, consider both your horse and your own comfort. Do not mount the ezehay so high that you need to stretch when it is full of hay. You should be able to comfortably reach and operate the catch with the net fully loaded.
Do not mount the ezehay so low that it could present a hazard to the horse, particularly if the horse strikes out with a foreleg.
- Drill and loosely fix the hinge plate to the wall using one of the centre fixing holes.
- Using a spirit level, level the hinge plate and mark the positions of the remaining fixing holes.
- Drill the remaining holes and securely fix the plate to the wall.
- Ensure the hinge plate is the correct way up before final tightening.
Use fixings that are suitable for your wall type. For many brick or blockwork installations, a large screw or coach bolt 4–6 mm in diameter and at least 50 mm long will be suitable.
Our Advice
After fixing the hinge plate to the wall, do not install the catch until you have re-attached the net hoop to the backplate.
Following the next step and positioning the hoop in its upright position will make it easier to correctly position and fit the catch.
Mounting the Hoop and Net
Reassembling the ezehay feeder is best done by two people.
Keeping the plastic tube inside the net, position the hoop and net assembly against the hinge plate. Hold the hoop vertically and rest it temporarily on the hinge plate supports.
Insert the hinge rod through the hinge plate, the hoop and into the plastic tube. Take care to place a plastic washer between the hoop and the tube at both ends. Secure the rod with a lynch pin.see fig D
At this point, you should be able to fold the hoop down into the horizontal position so that it rests on the hinge plate supports.
Mounting the ezehay Wall Catch
Swing the entire hoop and net assembly up into the vertical position against the wall.
While holding the hoop vertically, position the catch just above the hoop. When the hoop pushes the catch’s “nose” upward, there should be a gap of approximately 2–3 mm (1/8 inch) between the plastic catch and the hoop.
Completing Your ezehay Feeder
Test your ezehay feeder by swinging the hoop upward into the catch. If the catch has been positioned correctly, the hoop should click into place and be held firmly in the upright position.
To release the hoop, grasp it firmly on either side of the catch and push the catch nose upward with your thumb. The hoop should then drop smoothly to the horizontal position for filling.
If necessary, the slots in the catch allow for some vertical adjustment.
Congratulations!
Your ezehay feeder is now assembled and ready for use
Maintenance
Your ezehay feeder requires very little maintenance. Simply keep the moving parts free from excessive debris and regularly check that all bolts and fixings remain secure. With these simple checks, your feeder should provide many years of trouble-free use.
As with all hay nets, your ezehay net may need replacing from time to time, depending on usage and your horse’s feeding requirements. Replacement nets are available from ezehay.com
Damaged Nets
Damaged or holed nets should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
A horse can quickly enlarge a small hole and may learn to exploit it. Minor damage can be repaired using our repair kit
