Entry-level hay steamer · Stainless steel

BEGA Heubedampfer Derby

The compact Derby is the entry point into the BEGA series: a mobile stainless-steel hay steamer for loose hay, sized for a single horse or a small private stable. Two temperature sensors regulate steaming precisely – the target temperature is measured directly in the hay (85–93 °C).

  • Made in Germany
  • Scientifically supported
  • Delivery in Switzerland

Technical data

Specifications · BEGA Heubedampfer Derby

Volume
200 l
Capacity loose hay
7–10 kg
Capacity hay nets
n/a
Capacity small bales
n/a
Dimensions (L × W × H)
1185 × 760 × 830 mm
Weight
60 kg
Steaming time
40–80 min.
Article no.
BEGADERB
Well-engineered technology

Precise steaming, compact build

Every BEGA hay steamer works with two temperature sensors, adjustable steaming time and frost protection – fully stainless steel, CE-certified and Made in Germany.

  • Two temperature sensors

    Two sensors – in the steam generator and in the hay – monitor the target temperature (85–93 °C) directly at the hay and regulate steam output precisely.

  • Adjustable steaming time

    The main steaming time is freely selectable. This lets you adapt the cycle to hay quantity, moisture and daily routine.

  • Integrated frost guard

    An integrated frost guard protects the appliance and water reservoir at winter temperatures – important in unheated Swiss stables.

  • Fully stainless steel

    Housing and interior are made entirely of stainless steel – corrosion-resistant, durable and food-grade.

  • Easy to clean

    Smooth stainless-steel surfaces, removable components and a drain make regular cleaning straightforward.

  • CE-certified · Made in Germany

    Designed and built in Germany by Friedrich GmbH (BEGA), CE-certified and approved for European use.

The decisive difference

Steaming instead of soaking

Soaking costs water, time and some of the hay's nutrients – without reliably reducing germs. Steaming with BEGA combines hygienic hay with low nutrient loss (versus soaking, per manufacturer).

Soaking

  • Washes water-soluble nutrients and sugars out of the hay.
  • Bacteria and mould spores are usually not killed but only partly diluted.
  • Wet hay can ferment rapidly and must be fed promptly.
  • High water consumption and effortful disposal of the waste water.

Steaming with BEGA

  • Clearly reduces bacteria, mould spores and dust particles (98–99 % bacterial reduction and near-complete mould reduction in studies, Moore-Colyer 2016).
  • Sugars and nutrients are largely preserved compared with soaking.
  • Steamed hay is warm, aromatic and usually well accepted by horses.
  • Substantially lower water consumption, no loaded waste water.
Healthy horses

Less cough, mucus & nasal discharge

Steamed hay contains less dust and fewer spores than dry hay – this can support horses with sensitive airways in the stable (per manufacturer; independent evidence for dust and germ reduction: Moore-Colyer 2016).

Freer airways

Less dust and fewer mould spores in the hay can support horses with cough or airway sensitivity (per manufacturer).

Nutrients largely preserved

Unlike soaking, sugars and soluble nutrients are barely washed out during steaming – the hay retains its feed value compared with soaked hay.

Well-being in the stable

Warm, aromatic hay is usually well accepted and can contribute to overall well-being in dust-loaded stables.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about BEGA Heubedampfer Derby

  • Steaming or soaking – which is better for my hay?

    Soaking washes water-soluble nutrients and sugars out of the hay; bacteria and mould spores are only partially diluted, not killed. High-temperature steaming with a BEGA hay steamer heats the hay to 85–93 °C measured directly, clearly reduces bacteria and almost completely reduces mould spores (Moore-Colyer 2016) and binds inhalable dust – without washing out the nutrients.

  • How long does a steaming cycle take?

    A full cycle typically lasts 60–90 minutes depending on model, hay quantity and starting moisture. What matters is not the raw runtime but that the target temperature (85–93 °C) is reached directly in the hay and held long enough – two temperature sensors and the freely adjustable main steaming time take care of that. The concrete steaming time for this model is shown in the specification table above.

  • How is a BEGA hay steamer cleaned and maintained?

    BEGA hay steamers are built entirely from stainless steel – housing and interior can be wiped down with hot water and a mild cleaner, removable components cleaned separately. The water reservoir and drain should be regularly descaled and emptied; frequency depends on water hardness and intensity of use. Concrete cleaning and maintenance intervals are listed in the user manual.

  • What power supply does a BEGA hay steamer need – and which cable?

    BEGA hay steamers run on a single-phase 230 V supply and ship as standard with a T23 mains plug. To connect to the socket we offer matching extension cables in four lengths (5 / 10 / 15 / 20 m) and two versions: T23 → CEE 16 A (blue industrial socket, IP44) or T23 → T23 (Swiss household socket). The selection is made directly in the configurator above; the surcharge is displayed transparently.

  • How many horses does the Derby cover?

    The Derby is the most compact BEGA model, sized for a single horse or a small private stable – suitable for one to at most two horses with moderate hay demand. If more hay is regularly needed for several horses, we recommend the XL Cross or XL Professional.

  • Why does the Derby only steam loose hay – no hay nets or small bales?

    The Derby's interior is designed for loose hay; hay nets and small bales require more volume and an adapted steam distribution, which is available from the XL Cross upwards. Anyone who wants to steam hay nets or small bales regularly will find the XL Cross the entry-level model offering this flexibility.

Ready for healthy, dust-free hay?

We advise you on the right model size for your stable and prepare a non-binding quote – delivery to Switzerland included.

Non-binding quoteCompare models

Or directly:

info@stallkonzept.ch